Cypripedium macranthos, the large-flowered cypripedium, is a species of orchid. It is native to Russia and East Asia.
| Cypripedium macranthos | |
|---|---|
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| 1832 illustration from Edward's Botanical Register | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cypripedioideae |
| Genus: | Cypripedium |
| Species: | C. macranthos
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| Binomial name | |
| Cypripedium macranthos | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Distribution and habitat
editC. macranthos has a widespread distribution across Russia (European Russia and Siberia), Kazakhstan, Mongolia (Huvsgul, Hentii, Mongol Daguur, and Khyangan), Japan, Korea, China (Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, and Shandong provinces) and Taiwan. It may also be found in Belarus and Ukraine, but this has not been confirmed. It grows in a variety of habitats from sea level to 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above sea level, including meadows, forests, woodland edges, scrub, riparian areas, and grassy slopes. It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soils but tolerates both acidic and alkaline substrates. Though it prefers slightly shaded areas, it will also grow in more open habitat.[1]
Description
editC. macranthos is a herbaceous plant growing 25–50 cm (9.8–19.7 in) tall. The upright stem arises from a short, thick rhizome with several sheaths near the base. Each plant has three to four elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate leaves, each measuring 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) by 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in). The inflorescence typically bears a single red, pink, or purple flower. Rarely, two flowers may be present, or the flower may be white in colour. The dorsal sepal is ovate-elliptic with a pointed tip, measuring 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) by 2.5–3 cm (0.98–1.18 in). The synsepal is ovate with a slightly two-loved tip, measuring 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) 1.5–2 cm (0.59–0.79 in). The petals are lanceolate and each measure 4.5–6 cm (1.8–2.4 in) by 1.5–2.5 cm (0.59–0.98 in). The labellum measures 4.5–5.5 cm (1.8–2.2 in) and is deeply pouched, with a small opening measuring 1.5 cm (0.59 in) across. The fruit is an ellipsoid capsule measuring approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) long.[3][4]
C. macranthos is similar in appearance to Cypripedium tibeticum, which has slightly larger, darker flowers.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b c Rankou, H. (2014). "Cypripedium macranthos". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T43316741A43327679. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T43316741A43327679.en. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ "Cypripedium macranthos Sw". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ Wu, Zheng-yi; Raven, Peter H., eds. (2009). Flora of China: Orchidaceae. Flora of China. Vol. 25. Science Press and Missouri Botanical Garden Press. pp. 26–27. ISBN 978-1-930723-90-0. OCLC 769740774.
- ^ a b la Croix, Isobyl (2008). The New Encyclopedia of Orchids: 1500 Species in Cultivation. Timber Press. p. 134. ISBN 9780881928761.
External links
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Media related to Cypripedium macranthos at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Cypripedium macranthos at Wikispecies
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