Paphiopedilum emersonii

A compact, critically endangered slipper orchid from the border hills of northern Vietnam and southern China, carrying one or two large, fragrant, waxy white to cream flowers with a pale yellow pouch in late spring. It grows on mossy cliffs in hill country with a dry, cool, foggy winter and heavy summer rain, and in cultivation it wants cool-intermediate temperatures and a drier, cooler rest in winter to flower well.