Himalayan Slipper Orchid in Valley of Flowers

Himalayan Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium himalaicum) is a Terrestrial orchid. Its height varies from 20-25 cm. Leaves are 5-10 and size varies from 3-4 cm only. Flowers of Himalayan Slipper Orchid are fragrant and elegant. Flowers are marked with purple and brown streaks densely. Flowers have an ovoid hanging lip streaked with purple. The mouth of the lip is saw-toothed or wavy. The lip is larger than the petals. Petals and sepals are of green color with red veins. Petals are oblong and spread outward.

English Name	Cypripedium
Local Name	Himalayan Slipper Orchid, Himalayan Cypripedium, lady’s slipper, moccasin flower, slipper orchid, camel’s foot, Venus’ shoes, squirrel foot, steeple cap, and whippoorwill shoe.
Family	Orchidaceae
Flowering time	June to July
Habitat	Mountain Slopes and Alpine meadows.
Uses	This plant has a great ornamental value and is used used for animals.
Location in the Valley of flowers	This is a rare flower found in Valley of flowers. Although the flowering time is June to August, you can find it from July first to third week of July in Valley of flowers after some effort only. Provided you know the exact location of the flower. This is so rare that you need some guide who knows about its location. You may find it just before crossing the wooden bridge next to the official starting point of Valley of flowers, you can see small colonies of Cypripedium Himalaicum on your left side. You need to walk on your left few yards (Away from the main path), it is not available right on the way.

Following are some of the pictures of the Himalayan Slipper Orchid,hope you will like them all. If yes do not forget to comment or share with your friends.