|
The Cypripediums Story
The Cypripediums must be dismissed in far too short a space. Williams devoted ninety-two pages to this genus as against fifty-five for the Cattleyas and fifty-four for the Dendrobiums.
Botanists, at one point, decided on a complicated division altering the nomenclature of the Cypripedium, but for the present purpose all species can be dealt with under the old inclusive name. Cypripediums are both evergreen and deciduous. The deciduous groups are from South America and have chiefly a specialized botanical interest. All of North America boasts Cypripediums, but not many people are aware that the modest 'lady's slipper' and 'moccasin flower' are orchids and humble sisters to the regal Cattleya.
Cypripediums are to be found in some form practically all over the world. More showy, and adaptable to greenhouse culture, the tropical Cypripediums of the Far East, are handsome plants with shiny dark-green foliage. These warmer growing types have handsomely mottled leaves. They are the parents of the rounded-petal hybrids so prized by florists.
Cypripedium in its tropical forms is a genus highly recommended for amateurs. It is gratifyingly prolific, easy of culture and adaptable.
|
