Selenipedium

plant genus

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The genus Selenipedium comprises six species of large, reed-like orchids native to tropical America. These plants can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) tall and have folded leaves. Their flowers are borne on a spike at the tip of the plant. Some species within this genus have seedpods with a vanilla scent, which are locally used as a substitute for vanilla. All Selenipedium species are considered endangered or threatened. Selenipedium is closely related to the genus Cypripedium and belongs to the lady's slipper subfamily of orchids, known for their distinctive slipper-shaped flower lip.12

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lady’s slipper
Genera
…six species in the genus Selenipedium, also native to tropical America, may be 5 metres (16 feet) tall. The leaves are folded, and the flowers are borne on a spike at the tip of the plant. S. vanillocarpum has vanilla-scented seedpods. All Selenipedium species are considered endangered or threatened according…
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…six species in the genus Selenipedium, also native to tropical America, may be 5 metres (16 feet) tall. The leaves are folded, and the flowers are borne on a spike at the tip of the plant. S. vanillocarpum has vanilla-scented seedpods. All Selenipedium species are considered endangered or threatened according…
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