Just a curious question here. If Phrags grow naturally in S. America, why aren't they found in N. America particularly in the lower states where climates are almost similar to S. America? Could it be possible that they do grow here naturally and are not discovered?

Eric

This is an interesting question!

It is all about evolution. Phrags didn't evolve in NA probably because of climatic changes. I doubt if there are any undiscovered Phrags growing in the woods of NA.

Good question....You could also ask why Paphs are only in SE Asia, or why Cypripediums are widely spread in the northern hemisphere of Europe, America and Asia. It is all about evolution and acceptable habitat for these species. My guess is that the multiple ice ages impacted the ability of Phragmipedium to migrate further north.

Great question. I'm a bit confused about the cypripediums though. Arent they also found growing in Mexico?

Great question. I'm a bit confused about the cypripediums though. Arent they also found growing in Mexico?

The same story goes with the Cypripediums. Mexico is still considered a country in North America but not so sure if the ice or glaciers ever reached all the way south to Mexico. If anything I would think that Cyps would be more closely related to Phrags than Paphs but that is just my theory. But then again Paphs also grow somewhat closer to some Cyps in Asia. Interesting questions here.

interesting questions!!! anyone know if the mexico cyps and phrags overlap where they grow??

It is all about evolution. Interesting stuff!

Very interesting responses. Somehow I had a feeling it had something to do with evolution. :)

Good thought provoking questions! Cypripediums are also one of the most primitive plants which Paphs and Phrags may have branched off from in the evolutionary path.

Wow interesting discussion. I never knew Cyps were that old.

Interesting thread!

Very informative!

Thanks for all the great replies! I didn't even think of the similarities between cyps and Paphs. So evolution plays a big part huh!

There are so many different genera and species of orchids and I wonder why the slippers branched off and have become so different looking than the other orchids?

There are so many different genera and species of orchids and I wonder why the slippers branched off and have become so different looking than the other orchids?

Because they have adapted so well to their conditions over time after the continents split and have evolved.

I think a Phrag and Selenipedium hybrid would get really big if they could be hybridized.

Great question. I'm a bit confused about the cypripediums though. Arent they also found growing in Mexico?

The Cypripediums in Mexico (& southern US) tend to be at higher elevations, thus plants are still in temperate or cooler temperature ranges.

Kim