Paphiopedilum stonei var. platytaenium

This fine variety bears flowers that differ from those of typical Paphiopedilum stonei in having broad arching petals marked with dramatic purple spots. Day noticed it as a single plant in a consignment of Paphiopedilum stonei from Borneo. Of all the orchids in John Day’s collection, this was his pride and joy and the most valuable plant he possessed. Over the years he sold seven pieces of it for a total of almost £1000, an incredible amount at today’s prices. Sadly, the variety has long since disappeared from cultivation.

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