Paphiopedilum Yi-Ying Northern Lights
Hi all,
I purchased this paph in spike at my Orchid Society show & sale in March. It's an unusual cross between a bulldog type (Paph Mukoyama Green) & a dark Maudiae type (Paph Anhinga)--apparently the colors of the offspring are often quite muddy when these types are crossed. The vendor was quite enthusiastic as he said it looked like it was going to be a vini and none of the other seedlings out of the flask that had bloomed had been. Well, I really like vinis, so couldn't resist trying it.
The first shot is of the bud after I'd had it for about 3 weeks. Plainly, it wasn't going to be a really dark vini. Note the green coloring.
As it developed and began to open, however, it did begin to look quite dark.
Here is the whole plant. Note the foliage is a wonderful blend of the glossy bulldog parent and the marbled maudiae parent.
Profile shot of the bloom, for those who like them. This usually includes me, although this type of bloom doesn't photograph well in profile.
Close up of the bloom.
This isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but it's interesting and I'm glad I acquired it. And, since the vendor was appreciative of all the help I'd given him, he gave me the plant when I tried to buy it from him, so I guess the price was unbeatable! Anyway, while I'm still on the fence about what I think of the flower, the foliage rocks! Dare I say "Paphs rule"?
Cheers,
Rob
Reply With Quote
