Hsinying Quatal

The Hsinying Quatal is a flowering plant, belonging to the orchid family (Orchidaceae). It is a hybrid cross between paphiopedilum via Quatal and paphiopedilum via Candy Apple Ching Hua. It is called Hsinying Quatal and was registered between January and March of 2002 under Ching Hua. An organism that is highly dependent on a symbiotic relationship with insects for reproduction, it can be found throughout the world in temperate and subtropical climates. This species is native to New Zealand, South China, India, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is also found in greenhouses throughout the world as is commonly planted for horticultural purposes due to is attractive nature.
Reproduction
Hsinying Quatal reproduces through a symbiotic relationship with insects. Because of this, timing of flowering, visual cues, tactile cues, and pheromones are all extremely important components of the reproductive cycle. Much like other symbiotic relationships, the two sides do not necessarily receive the same benefits. For example, some insects die in the process of obtaining pollen grains, while others are simply deceived as to what they are doing. Pollen is stored in the reproductive parts of the orchid. Both male and female reproductive parts are in the middle of the orchid. This is called the column. Since there are many variations of the column (size, color, flowering period), they are extremely important when classifying a species. The column of Hsinying Quatal is predominately black, with color radiating to purple and then eventually white as it reaches the edges. The distinct color of this species is important because diurnal insects (bees, wasps, butterflys..etc) are attracted to it.
The Parts of the Flower
There are four main parts to the Hsinying Quatal flower, common to all paphiopedilum species. The first part is the dorsal sepal. The dorsal sepal is located on the upper part of the flower, and looks like a lip. The purpose of the dorsal sepal is to protect the bud before the flower actually opens. It also provides rigid support for the other three parts of the flower, as well as prevents harsh weather from entering to the flower to the reproductive parts.
The second part of the flower are the two linear petals. These linear petals extend laterally out underneath the dorsal sepal. Their main function is to provide attention to the flower for reproductive purposes. In essence, these linear petals mimic the wings of a insect.
The third part of the flower is the staminode. The staminode is a hanging pouch below the dorsal and lateral petals. This structure houses the reproductive parts of the flower, and is the final goal for insects to reach. It is important to realize that the staminode does not produce pollen, it merely houses it.
The final part to the flower is the middle petal, called the labellum. The labellum's primary role is to provide a decorative landing pad for insects. In Hsinying Quatal, the center of the lebellum is black with color radiating to purple.
Ecology
Since Paphiopedlium's are commonly planted in gardens, extensive amounts of information have documented. Hsinying Quatal is not a naturally occurring Paphiopedilum so there are necessities the plant must have in order to survive. These necessities are water, temperature, humidity, and of course light.
Water
Paphiopedilum's prefer to dry out between water cycles, meaning that watering should be spaced out from 4-7 days. For this reason, it is best to thoroughly water the soil until free running water can be seen and then allow the soil to dry out. This is the entire watering cycle, wet soil to dry soil, and then repeat. Paphiopedilum's are also very adapted to rain water. For this, one should use low mineral water and not enriched water.
Temperature
The Hsinying Quatal grows best in an intermediate temperature climate. It prefers to live in a climate between with a maximum temperature of 80 degrees and a minimum temperature of 50. The rise and fall in temperature is what stimulates the growth of the flower due to the production if Gibberellins, the flower promoting hormone in plants. When successive temperature shifts occur, Hsinying Quatal promotes phytohormone production, and in turn flowers are produced.
Humidity
Humidity demand from Hsinying Quatal is much like other orchids, with it enjoying a climate of about 50 - 75% humidity. This can be achieved in many different ways. For example, grouping of plants together increases humidity through respiration. If only one plant exists, misting them often also increases humidity.
Light
The last necessity of Hsinying Quatal is light. Like any plant, light is required for photosynthetic processes. In general however, Paphiopedlium's enjoy as much light as possible throughout the year. One must be careful however not to over expose the plant to light, as this can cause sun burns an inadequate temperature shifts required to induce flowering.
Classification
Hsinying Quatal is an orchid. Therefore, it is part of the Monocotyledones. The Monocotyledones, more commonly known as the monocots, contain at least 90,000 species. Other familiar plants in the monocot family are the grasses, lilies, irises, orchids, cattails, and palms. Being a monocot, Hsinying Quatal has some distinct characteristics. Firstly, it is a monoaperturate, meaning that it has pore or furrow for pollen. Secondly, it has one cotyledon, which is a seed leaf that absorbs food. Its leaf venation is usually parallel and it has a complex arrangement of primary vascular bundles. True secondary growth is rare.

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