Paphiopedilum bellatum var. alba x Paphiopedilum delanatti var alba

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Originally uploaded by 1888Orchids

I wanted to share photos of Paphiopedilum bellatum var. alba x Paphiopedilum delanatti var alba because I have always been fond of mutating orchids. The two photos are of the same orchid. The white orchid is the preferred color and shape. The balance of the crop is pink and looks like the second photo. Amazing don't you agree? Enjoy!

Black Orchid

I never imagined that looking at an orchid flower would bring such joy.  When I was a kid, I never said I wanted to be an orchidist but yet here I am.. an orchidist, a lover of orchids.  I have the privilege of seeing literally thousands of orchids.  Many just take your breath away.  I hate to admit it, but I've even gotten misty eyed while admiring the beauty of an orchid flower.  I am sure it is because I admire them so much that I happen upon a black orchid called Paphiopedilum Astro Boy (Paph. Makuli x Paph. rothschildianum).
A real black orchid is markedly unusual making them very rare.  The normally occurring flower color of  Paphiopedilum Astro Boy is green and maroon.  A black "mutation" like this is very unusual and special.  Enjoy!

Black Orchid

It is befitting that a black orchid would bloom just in time for Halloween.  I know Halloween celebrates goons and goblins but who cares? Halloween is about everything ghoulish.. even a black orchid.  Behold a real black orchid plant in bud.  The name of the orchid is Paphiopedilum Astro Boy.  A real black lady slipper orchid. 
This is the second time I have seen a black orchid produced by Paphiopedilum Astro Boy.  The first time I saw the black orchid was in 2004 in the greenhouse then a second time at an orchid show.  The orchid at the orchid show was also black but it was not Paphiopedilum Astro Boy.  Here you have an orchid plant that normally produces a different flower than a black flower.  That is a mutation.  Therefore, all real black orchids are mutations making this a rare orchid indeed. 
This is only the second time I have seen a black orchid in twelve years but then again I haven't attended many orchid shows lately but I love orchid shows.  The photos of the black orchid with a gray background were taken on September 29, 2011. 

Black Orchid