Adaptability Evaluation of Ex Situ Conservation of Thirteen Wild Paphiopedilum Species by Gray-Correlation Analysis

Wild Paphiopedilum species are under threat of extinction due to over-collection and loss of suitable habitats. Ex situ conversation is an effective approach for Paphiopedilum germplasm preservation. The adaptability of 13 Paphiopedilum species were evaluated by gray-correlation analysis based on botanical characteristics including plant morphology and growth situation. The main factors affecting ex situ conservation are discussed. Results showed that the most suitable species for ex situ conservation in Nanning, Guangxi were P. hirsu-tissimum, P. concolor, P. dianthum, and P. wenshanense because their correlation coefficients to the ideal species were higher than 0.8; the adaptabilities of P. bellatulum, P. emersonii, P. barbigerum, P. purpuratum, P. villosum, and P. micranthum were intermediate; while the remaining three species exhibited low adaptability as they could not flower and their correlation coefficients were lower than 0.6. Adaptability differed between different species or the same species from a different origin, and temperature of the germplasm garden may be the main factor affecting ex situ conservation.