Name: Phragmipedium longifolium (Warsz. & Rchb.f.) Rolfe

Synonyms: Phragmipedium longifolium f. gracile, Cypripedium gracile, Phragmipedium longifolium var. gracile.

Etymology: The genus name Phragmipedium is derived from the Greek phragma ("partition, screen") and pedion ("shoe") and refers to the segmented structure of the flower. The epithet longifolium means "long-leaved".

First description: The currently accepted species was published in 1896 by Robert Allen Rolfe under Phragmipedium longifolium; the form gracile is treated taxonomically as a synonym.

Origin / Habitat: Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador, at approximately 600–1700 m. It grows terrestrially or lithophytically in moist, often open or shaded locations near streams and seepages.

Description & Notes: Medium to large, long-leaved Phragmipedium species with successive flowers on long inflorescences. With us, it grows in bright to partial shade and consistently moist conditions; the substrate should not dry out. We cultivate it at approximately 15–29 °C with good air circulation.