Paph. gratrixianum in Blüte

Around the turn of the millennium, plants were imported from Indochina that closely resembled the original description of Paphiopedilum gratrixianum. These plants were reportedly found in southern Laos and, sporadically, in southern Vietnam. Locations in northern Vietnam and Laos have also been reported.

The Paphiopedilum gratrixianum cultivated up to that point differed significantly from this original description, particularly in their leaves. These plants were described by Perner & Koopowitz as Paphiopedilum gratrixianum var. christensonianum and later by Eric Christenson as a distinct Paphiopedilum christensonianum.

For comparison, here are the two species Paph. gratrixianum and Paph. christensonianum:

Further details about these two species can be found here:

In autumn 2025, propagated Paph. gratrixianum will bloom, while most Paph. christensonianum bloom in spring.

The coloration of the flag of this species is quite variable.

The plant shown on the left bears similarities to Paph. coccineum – however, the following image clearly shows the differences:

The coloration of the Paph. coccineum has likely faded slightly – the flower fell off only two days after the photo was taken.

The full color spectrum of the flower, or rather its tassel, can only be accurately compared across several plants, but it's worth the effort.