Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum var. esquirolei originates from Northern Thailand and Southern China to Northern Vietnam, where it is found typically on steep limestone cliffs. In cultivation it can be differentiated from the nominate species, which comes from Northeast India and neighboring Northern Myanmar (Burma), most easily by the hairs on the peduncle, although this takes some experience. The nominate species is far more hirsute with longer hairs than the variety. The variety esquirolei is generally more desirable if you have limited space as it tends to larger flowers and is generally more easily flowered under a wide range of conditions than Paph. hirsutissimum.
