Paphiopedilum argus

Paphiopedilum argus
Paphiopedilum argus (no. 13)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Genus: Paphiopedilum
Species: P. argus
Binomial name
Paphiopedilum argus
(Rchb.f.) Stein
Synonyms
  • Cypripedium argus Rchb.f. (basionym)
  • Cypripedium moensianum auct.
  • Cypripedium pitcherianum Manda
  • Cypripedium moensii auct.
  • Cordula argus (Rchb.f.) Rolfe
  • Paphiopedilum sriwanae Koop.
  • Paphiopedilum argus var. sriwanae (Koop.) O.Gruss

Paphiopedilum argus is a species of orchid endemic to Luzon Island of the Philippines. The name is a reference to the Greek god Argus, who had one hundred eyes, like the spots on the petals. The flower size goes up to 4" (10 cm). It is commonly found on limestone in altitudes 600 to 2000 feet high.