Paphiopedilum ooii is a species of slipper orchid native to Mount Kinabalu on Borneo. It is named after Michael Ooi, a slipper orchid enthusiast from Malaysia. The plant blooms in the spring to early summer with a spike that can reach up to 2 meters and produce up to 17 flowers.

Paphiopedilum ooii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Genus: Paphiopedilum
Species:
P. ooii
Binomial name
Paphiopedilum ooii
Koop. (1999)

Distribution and habitat edit

Paphiopedilum ooii is found in a single location on Mount Kinabalu on the island of Borneo, in Sabah state of Malaysia. It is often a lithophyte growing on cliff faces, or on rocky serpentine slopes among moss and leaf litter, from 600 to 1,100 metres elevation.[1] The area is subjected to heavy rain from fall to early spring. The area is rarely dry and usually very foggy.

Conservation edit

The known population is very small, estimated at 40 individuals. It is threatened with habitat loss from human activities and from commercial collecting. Its population is declining, and its conservation status is assessed as Critically Endangered.[1]

Culture edit

Keep in moderate shade to bright light with intermediate to warm temperature from 60F to 86F. Use an open mix and keep humidity high from about 70 to 85%. Water heavily during the fall to spring.

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Rankou, H. (2015). "Paphiopedilum ooii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T43321643A43327929. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T43321643A43327929.en. Retrieved 5 April 2023.