Cypripedium L.
The Lady-slipper orchids
Cypripedium acaule, the Pink Lady-slipper
The genus Cypripedium,
as currently circumscribed, contains approximately 30 to 50 species; much
of the uncertainty can be ascribed to differential treatment of within-taxon
variability. Some species, such C. calceolus, are notoriously variable,
and have contributed to much of the taxonomic confusion. Five species can
be found in Wisconsin. The generic name is apparently an incorrectly Latinized
version of the Greek meaning "foot of Kypris (Venus?)."
A.Leaves
3 or more, scattered along the stem
B. Pouch yellow
BB.Pouch pink, white, or some combination of the two
C. Lateral sepals free, pouch prolonged below into a conical
projection...arietinum
CC. Lateral sepals fused, pouch not prolonged into a conic projection
- Plants small, about 10-30 cm; pouch white; sepals and petals greenish...candidum
- Plants large, about 30-70 cm; pouch white marked with pink (rarely
all white), often appearing all pink...reginae
AA. Leaves 2, basal...acaule
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to the list of the species of Cypripedium.
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