Paphiopedilum appletonianum (Gower) Rolfe 1896 is a terrestrial or lithophytic growing Lady Slipper Orchid native to China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The tropical lady slipper orchid was primarily classified by the English botanist William Hugh Gower (1835 - 1894) as Cypripedium appletonianum in 1893 and named in honour to the English orchid enthusiast W.M. Appleton, who was the first to flower the lady slipper orchid in Europe. The erect inflorescences of Paphiopedilum appletonianum can reach a height up to 50 cm and carry 1, rarely 2 flowers. Flowers get a size of 6-10 cm. Flowering period: March. Paphiopedilum appletonianum lady slipper orchids are protected by CITES Appendix I (threatened with extinction, trade only in exceptional circumstances).

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Image: Paphiopedilum appletonianum var aureum