Paphiopedilum niveum

Paphiopedilum niveum
Flower of Paphiopedilum niveum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Cypripedioideae
Genus:	Paphiopedilum
Species:	P. niveum
Binomial name
Paphiopedilum niveum (Rchb.f.) Stein
Synonyms
Cypripedium niveum Rchb.f. (basionym) Cordula nivea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe Cypripedium niveum var. album auct. Paphiopedilum niveum f. album (auct.) O.Gruss

Paphiopedilum niveum is a species of orchid occurring from peninsular Thailand to peninsular Malaysia. It is best known on Pulau Langkawi, a group of islands off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Over-collecting from these islands has made the species quite scarce. This orchid grows in cracks on limestone cliffs just above sea level. It is small, only 10 cm across, with flowers that are 5–6 cm across. It flowers from December to August, peaking in April and May. This orchid, and the Thai variety, Paph. niveum var. Ang Thong, have been hybridised extensively, and are easy to grow.