Paphiopedilum callosum STEIN
Section: Barbata
Paph. callosum was considered a beginner's plant 20-30 years ago, although the culture is far from "easy".
From Paph. callosum, there are regional "species" that some taxonomists consider to be distinct species, but others merely as varieties of Paph. callosum.
Paph. sublaeve and Paph. thailandense can be found under these names in the Species section.
The plants occur at altitudes of 300 - 1200 m and are therefore to be cultivated in warm and temperate areas.
Paph. callosum occurs in western Thailand near Bhumibohl Dam and is the "classic" relatively large-flowered species.
In his Paphiopedilum book, Lance A. Birk has a Paph. birkii "described". The place of origin is not known to me. Plants are currently identified as Paph. callosum var. birkii offered:
In the recently published book "Paphiopedilum Species - The Essential Guide" by OAKELEY and BRAEM, a Paph. crossii (BRAEM & SENGHAS 2000) showed that the Paph. callosum var birkii looks very similar.
Finally a picture with "different kind":
left: Paph. callosum var. birkii - center: Paph. sublaeve - right: Paph. thailandense
Paph. callosumf. viridiflorum
Paph. callosum forma vinicolor: