Cypripedium macranthos, commonly known as the large-flowered cypripedium or da hua shao lan (Chinese: 大花杓兰),[3] is a species of orchid native to Russia and East Asia.
| Cypripedium macranthos | |
|---|---|
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| 1832 illustration from Edward's Botanical Register | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cypripedioideae |
| Genus: | Cypripedium |
| Species: | C. macranthos
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| Binomial name | |
| Cypripedium macranthos | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Distribution and habitat
editCypripedium macranthos has a widespread distribution across Russia (European Russia and Siberia), Kazakhstan, Mongolia (Huvsgul, Hentii, Mongol Daguur, and Khyangan), Japan, Korea, China (Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Nei Mongol, and Shandong provinces) and Taiwan. It may also be found in Belarus and Ukraine, but this has not been confirmed. It grows in a variety of habitats from sea level to 2,400 m (7,900 ft) above sea level, including meadows, forests, woodland edges, scrub, riparian areas, and grassy slopes. It prefers well-drained, humus-rich soils but tolerates both acidic and alkaline substrates. Though it prefers slightly shaded areas, it will also grow in more open habitat.[1]
Description
editCypripedium macranthos is a herbaceous plant growing 25–50 cm (9.8–19.7 in) tall. The upright stem arises from a short, thick rhizome with several sheaths near the base. Each plant has three to four elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate leaves, each measuring 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) by 6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 in). The inflorescence typically bears a single red, pink, or purple flower. Rarely, two flowers may be present, or the flower may be white in colour. The dorsal sepal is ovate-elliptic with a pointed tip, measuring 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) by 2.5–3 cm (0.98–1.18 in). The synsepal is ovate with a slightly two-loved tip, measuring 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) 1.5–2 cm (0.59–0.79 in). The petals are lanceolate and each measure 4.5–6 cm (1.8–2.4 in) by 1.5–2.5 cm (0.59–0.98 in). The labellum measures 4.5–5.5 cm (1.8–2.2 in) and is deeply pouched, with a small opening measuring 1.5 cm (0.59 in) across. The fruit is an ellipsoid capsule measuring approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) long.[3][4]
C. macranthos is similar in appearance to Cypripedium tibeticum, which has slightly larger, darker flowers.[4]
Ecology
editCypripedium macranthos is capable of reproducing both sexually and vegetatively. Flowering occurs from June to July, with fruits appearing from August to September.[3] Its flowers are self-compatible and primarily pollinated by bumblebee queens.[5]
Cypripedium × ventricosum is a naturally occurring hybrid between C. macranthos and C. calceolus.[3][6]
Conservation status
editCypripedium macranthos is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in light of its large distribution and low risk of extinction, however, the population is declining. The abundance of C. macranthos has been significantly reduced in the last few decades due to climate change, deforestation, erosion, overgrazing, poaching, tourism, and urbanization. It is collected for use as an ornamental plant and for use in traditional medicine.[1]
C. macranthos is conserved ex situ in many botanic gardens, and international trade of the species is regulated under Appendix II of the CITES treaty.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Rankou, H. (2014). "Cypripedium macranthos". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T43316741A43327679. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T43316741A43327679.en. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ "Cypripedium macranthos Sw". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d Wu, Zheng-yi; Raven, Peter H., eds. (2009). Flora of China: Orchidaceae. Flora of China. Vol. 25. Science Press and Missouri Botanical Garden Press. pp. 26–27. ISBN 978-1-930723-90-0. OCLC 769740774.
- ^ a b la Croix, Isobyl (2008). The New Encyclopedia of Orchids: 1500 Species in Cultivation. Timber Press. p. 134. ISBN 9780881928761.
- ^ Chang, Jui-Tse; Zhang, Yu; Andronova, Elena; Averyanov, Leonid V; Filippov, Evgeniy G; Kawahara, Takayuki; Shefferson, Richard; Kim, Joo-Hwan; Hsu, Rebecca C-C; Cho, Yu-Hsiu; Luo, Min-Xin; Liao, Pei-Chun; Lee, Yung-I (2024). "Middle Pleistocene climate change influenced northward divergence and cold adaptation in an Asian lady's slipper orchid, Cypripedium macranthos Sw. (Orchidaceae)". Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. 205 (2): 150–160. doi:10.1093/botlinnean/boae003.
- ^ "Cypripedium × ventricosum Sw". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
External links
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Media related to Cypripedium macranthos at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Cypripedium macranthos at Wikispecies
