This is a cross between Cypripedium pubescens and Cypripedium froschii (if froschii is indeed a species - many authorities consider it a natural hybrid). Many such hybrids are very similar - whitish with purple veins, there are several dozen that I havent collected. I dont find the hybrids with the smaller flowers attractive at all but the larger ones like this are "OK", especially when viewed from a distance. Achim is a hardy hybrid but one specimen is quite enough!!

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/fundulopanchax/CypAchim.jpg

In a couple of days, the all-time ugly hybrid will be open - Cyp Michael. Of course it is also the most hardy of all - I dont think one could kill it by running over it repeatedly with a car! (It is like Achim but with a very tiny flower).

Ron Burch

Great shot :urock:

looks great!!

I like the colors!

Great shot Ron! I like the staminode best on this one. Too bad it isn't such a good flower since both parent species are lovely! Still, I agree that it's a keeper.

Tom

Another gorgeous one!

:great:
Thanks for sharing

Ron,

Another fantastic one! Are all these that you have shown growing on your land?

thanks

Hehe, well - I rather like this one. I'm curious to see the acursed 'Michael'. Sounds just dreadful. ;)

(I know so little about these, they all look good to me now - but I know it is a matter of learning the standards - more posts like this, (if you please!) help immensely! Finally, several years after starting to grow slippers in ernest, I like to think I have an idea of what is superb vs. what is really nice. I look forward to learning the Cyp. distinctions!)

Fabulous!!!!!!