Paphiopedilum purpuratum (Lindl.) Stein.

Horticultural & Botanical History

Cypripedium purpuratum is figured in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine [BM t.4901/1856] and later as C. purpureum [BM t.5362/1863].  ‘We have already, under our Cypripedium barbatum (Tab. 4234), indicated the very close affinity between that and C. venustum, Wall., and our present plant.  The chief distinction rests on the absence of the warts at the upper edge of the petals, and those petals are in the plant before us much broader than those of C. barbatum; but their characters seem constant, and we think that Cypripedium (so called) purpuratum of Dr. Wight, above quoted, should rather be referred to C. barbatum, for the petals are very narrow, and though the verruca themselves are not distinctly exhibited (the drawing being most likely taken from the dried specimen), yet the marginal hairs are represented in tufts, as if they grew from warts.  It is a lovely species, whether the size and beauty of the flowers or the mottled foliage be considered: native of the Malayan Archipelago, and flowers in a damp stove in November.’  [BM t.4901/1856].  

Cypripedium purpureum was introduced to Britain in 1836.  [JD].  FS f.1158/1856.  

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [O.14/1850].  One of a number of plants received from Captain Simpson in late 1849 or early 1850, apparently on the same ship as those accompanying Captain P. P. King.  The source is unclear.  [ML A1980-3].

Notes

Cypripedium purpuratum Wight (1760) = Cypripedium barbatum Lindl. which see.