Cypripedium calceolus

Quick Characteristics:

Cypripedium calceolus L. is native to the European Alps. In Italy they grow wild at 1000/1800 meters altitude and are difficult to find as they are rare and even if protected by Cites many specimens are lost as the woods are now abandoned and lawns near the woods have plenty of invasive grasses. The first picture of a plant in ground full shade position, the second from a flower in pot. Photos 1,2 from Giorgio Pozzi, third photo taken by Oron Peri in its habitat in the Spanish Pyrenees.