Paphiopedilum rothschildianum

A medium to large-sized, clump-forming, evergreen tropical orchid. Linear, glossy, bright green leaves are up to 60cm long and 5cm wide. Flowering stem up to 75cm long appears from the centre of the leaf rosette and carries 2 to 4 large, glossy flowers. The pouch is a modification of the lip that traps insects and consequently provides an ''escape route'' that results in pollen collection and flower pollination. Lateral sepals are fused, pale cream with brown stripes, almost identical with upper, dorsal sepal. The petals are thin, very long and almost horizontal, pale green or yellow with brown stripes and small spots with tiny brown hairs.