Uniquely identifiable characteristics

Distinguishing Feature : The equilateral triad of twisted purple petals above a yellowish 'slipper'.

This is an exceedingly rare plant which flowers but for maybe three weeks only. So rare there is only one plant in the North of England.

It can produce an allergenic skin reaction called allergenic contact dermatitis and is similar to that caused by the American plant Poison Ivy (which is not an ivy at all but a type of Rhus (Sumach) tree once named rhus toxicodendron but now called toxicodendron radicans). The allergenic reaction is not as severe as that of Poison Ivy, and is caused by cipripedin, a quinone.

Cipripedin is a quinone that is contained within the Lady's Slipper (orchid) and which can be responsible for a contact allergenic reaction in some people almost as strong as that from the (American) Poison Ivy plant, but not as severe. It is caused by cipripedin which is secreted from the trichomes on the leaves and stem of some orchids as a purplish liquid. The recent rarity of Ladys Slipper prevents mass contact, but it used to be grown commercially where handling it caused contact dermatitis.

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