Paphiopedilum is an orchid.
Orchid flowers exhibit characteristics associated with more advanced species.
This flower is bilaterally symmetrical and the petals and sepals vary in shape. Compare this flower with the Magnolia flower illustrated on side one of this bookmark. Many orchids have evolved along with the insects that pollinate them. Some species of orchids are cultivated for their beauty and used as houseplants and in corsages. Many species of orchids are epiphytes, which means that the plants live in the branches of trees and have aerial roots that are used to anchor the plants to the tree.