What is "paphinia"

Paphinia, abbreviated in horticultural trade Pna, is a genus of orchids, composed of an estimated 16 species from Central America, northern South America and Trinidad. These species are medium-sized epiphytes with small ovoid pseudobulbs and 2 or more leaves. The generic name comes from the Greek Paphia, the name of Aphrodite of Cyprus. Most authorities consider the genus rare.

Species accepted as of June 2014:

1. Paphinia benzingii Dodson & Neudecker - Ecuador
2. Paphinia cristata (Lindl.) Lindl. - Trinidad, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, northern Brazil
3. Paphinia dunstervillei Dodson & G.A.Romero - Venezuela
4. Paphinia grandiflora Barb.Rodr. - northern Brazil
5. Paphinia herrerae Dodson - Ecuador
6. Paphinia hirtzii Dodson - Ecuador
7. Paphinia levyae Garay - Ecuador
8. Paphinia lindeniana Rchb.f. - Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru
9. Paphinia litensis Dodson & Neudecker - Ecuador
10. Paphinia neudeckeri Jenny - Ecuador, Colombia
11. Paphinia posadarum Dodson & R.Escobar - Ecuador, Colombia
12. Paphinia rugosa Rchb.f. - Colombia
13. Paphinia seegeri G.Gerlach - Colombia
14. Paphinia subclausa Dressler - Costa Rica
15. Paphinia vermiculifera G.Gerlach & Dressler - Panama
16. Paphinia zamorae Garay - Ecuador

Hybrids include:

• Paphinia Majestic (P. cristata x P. herrerae)
• Paphinia Memoria Remo Lombardi (P. herrerae x P. lindeniana)
• Gonginia (Gongora x Paphinia), an intergeneric hybrid