Cypripedium L.

The Lady-slipper orchids



Cypripedium acaule, the Pink Lady-slipper
The genus Cypripedium, as currently circumscribed, contains approximately 30 to 50 species; much of the uncertainty can be ascribed to differential treatment of within-taxon variability. Some species, such C. calceolus, are notoriously variable, and have contributed to much of the taxonomic confusion. Five species can be found in Wisconsin. The generic name is apparently an incorrectly Latinized version of the Greek meaning "foot of Kypris (Venus?)."
A.Leaves 3 or more, scattered along the stem AA. Leaves 2, basal...acaule
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