horticulturally important genus of mainly terrestrial orchids including many hybrids; southeastern Asia and Indonesia to Philippines and Solomon Islands; Paphiopedilum species sometimes included in genus Cypripedium

Paphiopedilum is a genus in the orchid family (Orchidaceae) of approximately 77 species native to South China, India, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. The genus has been given its own subtribe, the Paphiopedilinae.

The exotic, wax-like, richly colored blooms last for weeks sometimes months! They are ideal for home growing. Paphiopedilum, also known as Lady Slippers, have no psuedobulbs but are made up of attractive, glossy green leaves. After leaves are fully formed, the flower stem rises from the center of the newly developed growth.