Paph. Salty 'Val'
an old-time HCC/AOS...doesn't compare to the new white complexes, but at least this one is affordable (sometimes). very weedy too.
The quest for the elusive white complex paphiopedilum began in the early part of the 20th century with the English orchid gardener F.C. Puddle. It is a line of breeding that has been fraught with difficulty over the years, both in terms of low fertility and small flower size that lagged far behind those of the other complex paphs. Nevertheless, three-quarters of a century of hybridization has produced some absolutely stunning white complexes in recent years, although their rarity still puts them well beyond the grasp of the average paph grower.
Paph. Salty 'Val' is one of the "oldies-but-goodies" in white complex paphs, having received its AOS award in 1969. While many whites have since surpassed it in both size and form, Paph. Salty remains a nice example of the type, reliably producing crisp 3.5" snow white flowers with a dusting of fine maroon spots. Like most of the white complexes, Paph. Salty flowers open up with a distinct yellow overlay which fades to white as the flower "matures".
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