Paphiopedilum praestans   PFITZER

Section: Coryopedilum

Synonym: Paph. glanduliferum

 

For a long time, Paph. praestans was a rather rare guest in cultures. This was mainly due to the fact that this species is not easy to cultivate. The coarsest possible planting material with a high mineral content should be used, as these plants can rot within a short time. Paph. praestans occurs at sea level, it must be cultivated warm. Today there are enough offspring available.

Paph. praestans occurs on some islands near New Guinea:

The name Paph. praestans is only used as a synonym for Paph by European taxonomists. glanduliferum, which has indeed been described earlier. Unfortunately, it is overlooked that Paph. glanduliferum is said to have a staminodium tapering downwards.

Other "experts" are of the opinion that the real Paph. glanduliferum has disappeared - although the location is actually known: Yapen Island (Jobi, Sorenarwa)

This island is said to have been used as a prison island for serious criminals... - the orchid world is waiting for Paph to be rediscovered. glanduliferum...

Paph. praestans (red leave) from Fak-Fak:

another plant:

Paph. praestans (green leave)

another plant:

 

 

more plants from Paph. praestans:

 

 

Pictures from  Rolf Herrmann

 

 

 

Pictures from Herbert Reisinger

 

 

 

In 2013 plants are from Paph. praestans came to Europe from the island of Obi. It was hoped that with these plants the lost Paph. glanuduliferum had been found again.

When the first plants came into flower, the disappointment was great at first - it wasn't Paph. glanduliferum, but:

 

 

Paphiopedilum praestans var. bicornutum   GRUSS

Section: Coryopedilum