Paphiopedilum primulinum
Normally the albino forms of species are quite rare, but the situation is different for
this species. By a curious quirk of fate, the albino form was discovered first and it was
common. Only after a number of years were colored forms found. This species has the
smallest flowers in the alliance. As the first flowers were all shades of green and yellow,
the name Paphiopedilum primulinum, after the yellow spring primrose, seemed quite
appropriate. The dorsal sepal ranges from green to yellow, while the petals and pouch
can be a bright canary yellow or even a deep golden color. When colored forms possessing
anthocyanins were discovered, they were called Paph. primulinum var. purpurascens.
This variety had greenish flowers with a distinct purple wash over the base
color. Later on another type was brought into cultivation. This one had a bronze or
coppery flush. Ray Rands sold plants as Paph. primulinum var. "liltii." The varietal
name commemorated one of his dogs. That form has never been described and most
people assume that it is merely var. purpurascens, but the coloring is distinctly different.
In recent years another group of plants have been sold as Paph. primulinum but
with much larger flowers than the species normally produces. Those flowers have cream
to silvery white petals and pouches and are most likely albinistic hybrids of Paph.
Pinocchio, Paph. Avalon Mist, or Paph. Memoria Eleanor Ohlund crossed back to
Paph. primulinum. Unfortunately, some of these hybrids have been awarded under the
name Paph. primulinum and then used for further breeding. The giveaway is the cream
to silvery pouch, often with increased size.
