Common name: Slipper Wort.

Scientific name: Paphiopedilum insigne (Wall. ex Lindl.) Pfitz.

Family: Orchidaceae

Distribution and Habitat: It is originally from the Himalayas and it is widely cultivated in Madeira due to its high commercial value.

Description: It is herbaceous and perennial and it may reach 30 cm in height. The stems are short and are enclosed in foliar bases. The leaves are smooth, linear and green. Solitary flowers with 2 external petals and lip (inferior petal of the corolla of plants that belong to the orchids group) with a bag shape and 2 lateral lobes with an edge. The colour varies between brown, pink and green, and there are brown spots on the dorsal tepal.

Conservation statute and Threats: -

Observations: Blooming season is from December to January.