Paphiopedilum flower spur?
 

Hi everyone,

About a month ago I purchased a Paph. Hsinying Alien in bud from Home Depot. Its flower is now beginning to open, and I am wondering about a strange structure I see below its ovary--looks like a spur of some kind. Has anyone else seen this on their Paph flowers? I am wondering whether this is an aborted second flower; whaddaya think? BTW, Hsinying Alien is Raisin Pie x Supersuk--there were lots of plants of this cross for sale at H.D., but I bought the only vini.

Thanks,
Claire

PS I need to get a longer stake for it and re-tie the bloom--the twist-ties are not my doing!--but I'm waiting for it to fully open before I do that.

I see this all the time on Maudiae types. I believe it is an aborted second bud.

Thanks Joe! Honestly the first thing I thought upon seeing it was, "it's a boy!" :blushing: