Abstract: Paphiopedilum spicerianum (Rchb.) Pfitzer was found to occur in Simao, southern Yunnan, China. This represents a new record of this species for China. A morphological description of the species is given based on the newly discovered population, which grows under a sparse mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest on a limestone cliff along a small stream at an altitude of 920 m. The population is very small, consisting of only about ten individuals. The locality of the population is near a village, and thus easily accessible by human beings, and in the neighborhood of the population occur another eight orchid species. As such, this slipper orchid is considered to be critically endangered and should be under protection as soon as possible.

Key words: Paphiopedilum, Paphiopedilum spicerianum, morphology, population size, habita