Paph. insigne is the strongest influence in most complex hybrids. More than 50 variations have been recognized in this species. Standard version (left), and var. Sanderae (semi-alba version) are shown in the first photo. Var. 'Harefield Hall' (a natural triploid clone) is shown in the second photo. Notice the difference in dorsal spot size between standard and triploid clones.
Paph. villosum contributes large flower, leaf and stalk size, though the species tends to be somewhat 'floppy' (it is often found growing as an epiphyte). Here are 3 different colored clones, the first is considered standard; the last is the distinctly colored var. 'Annamense'.
The third significant contributor in complex Paphiopedilum hybrids is Paph. spicerianum. The first photo shows Paph. spicerianum 'Irene Schwarz', which was probably wild collected more than 50 years ago. The second photo shows how much improvement can be achieved through line breeding, this one coming from the Orchid Zone program. The flower was slightly deformed in shipment.
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Paph. bellatulum from the Brachypetalum group has a round, but 'cuppy' flower on a very short stem, but it is easy to see why it was selected for breeding.
In the Barbatum group hybrids are commonly callled Maudiae type. One of the most used species in this breeding line is Paph. callosum:
Of least interest to me, but favored by many, is the multi-floral group. Here the two primary species are Paph. sanderianum (with long petals) and Paph. rothschildianum.
Over the last 25 years, several new species have been found in Vietnam & China, most have been placed in Parvesepalum toghether with Paph. delenatii (standard & alba).
One of the most stunning is Paph. micrantum, which introduces new colors and patterns.
My favorite species is Paph. fairrieanum, with upswept petals and a dominant curvy edge on both dorsal & petals.
I am also partial to Paph. spicerianum (shown above). And, my 3rd choice is (next column):
Paph. charlesworthii, which contributes a broad dorsal:
1st generation breeding led to vigorous plants, but the flowers were not that far from the parents. Paph. Leeanum (insigne x spicerianum) is found in the background of most complex hybrids
I can't claim credit for this specimen plant of Paph. Leeanum, but I did take the photo.
Another 1st generation hybrid is (villosum x spicerianum) = Paph. Lathamianum.
From these modest beginnings, breeders have created very large flowers (see next column). However, there have always been some who pursued different paths.
Harold Koopowitz has pursued 'tea cup' breeding, looking for miniature plants, such as Paph. Doll's Kobold (charlesworthii x henryanum), here blooming in a 2.1/4" pot.
And when produced with superior parents (from The Orchid Zone), the results improve:
Crossing complex hybrids back to species can lead to some spectacular results (looking like the species on steroids). Ratcliffe used spicerianum to create Paph.Copper Spice
In fairrieanum hybrids, it is usually easy to recognize the parantage, as petal shape and curly edges tends to dominate. In Paph. Irish Lullaby 'C.H. #3', a complex Orchid Zone hybrid, the fairrieanum influence is several generations back, but visible.
It is less visible in hybrids made with the Brachy group, but there are still some signs in Paph. Angela (fairrieanum x niveum).
And it is a bit easier to see in (Sierra Lace x fairrieanum). I am showing two clones to illustrate the variation in seed grown plants.
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The connection is almost impossible to see in Paph. Ali Taba 'Rosepoint' = (Paeony x fairrieanum), which is heavily dominated by the pod parent, a complex hybrid with strong influence of Paph. bellatulum.
Crossed with Barbatum group, the influence is usually clear, here in Paph. H. Ballentine (fairrieanum x purpuratum)
With genetic input from 4-10 species, and 6-15 generations of judicious breeding, on rare occasions this type of results can be achieved:
Paph. Silent Knight
Paph. Silent Knight 'Crystelle' AM
Paph. Saturday Night Album 'Gold Fever'
Paph. Sorcerer's Stone 'Orlando'
Paph. Jenna Marie 'Sparkle'
Paph. Tiger Hill 'Jungle Feber' HCC
Paph. Startler 'Glace' AM/AOS
And from different lines of breeding, also something like this Paph. China Moon 'Winter Moon' AM/AOS.
Crossing two long petalled species in the multi-floral group leads to truly long petals. Paph. Michael Koopowitz (philippinense x sanderianum).
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By crossing the multi-floral rothschildianum into the Brachypetalum group, we can find the bold Paph. Dragon Lord.
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Hybridizing between the Maudiae group and the Brachypetalum group can lead to Paph. Pink Coral 'Krull-Smith' HCC AOS
And Paph. Amahashi shows the influence of Paph. micrantum.
