Conservation strategy and potential advantages of the Chinese Paphiopedilum
初论中国兜兰属植物的保护策略及其潜在资源优势

The genus Paphiopedilum is among the most favorite ornamental orchids, from which more than 10 000 of artificial hybrids have been bred since 1850s. South and southwest China is one of the distribution centers of this genus, where the paphiopedilums are still facing continuous demand for wild plants though they have become rather rare today. Considering the incomplete knowledge, both scientifically and technologically, of the plants and their conservation, a tentative strategy to protect the Chinese Paphiopedilum is proposed that the in situ conservation should be taken priority over all others. Meanwhile, it is also needed to pay great attention to scientific researches and conservation technical systems. The establishment of the ex situ conservation centers, on the contrary, should be strictly controlled in quantity and scale. Finally, the potential advantages of the Chinese paphiopedilums in horticulture are discussed.