The orchid family is the largest in the plant kingdom, with more than 30,000 species. Santa Barbaras orchid nurseries have a stunning variety of plants, beyond the usual types you might find at the supermarket. They include, from top left, the Masdevallia, Lycastes and Paphiopedilum; bottom left, Cymbidium Mighty Tracey #1., some Epidendrums and Paphiopedilum Maudiae, also known as Ladys Slipper. (Carlos Chavez / LAT)
Some of the largest orchids growers, Santa Barbara Orchid Estate and Cal-Orchid Inc. are in Goleta Ca., offering plants that can be grown both in- and out doors. One of the plants is the Paphiopedilum. (Carlos Chavez / LAT)
Founder of Santa Barbara Orchid Estates Paul Gripp walks through one of the rolls of orchids for sale at the nursery. (Carlos Chavez / LAT)
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Paphiopedilum- Maudiae type just watered at Cal-Orchid Inc. (Carlos Chavez / LAT)
