Mexipedium is a monotypic genus of the orchid family Orchidaceae, subfamily Cypripedioideae, consisting of only one species, Mexipedium xerophyticum. It is also the sole genus of tribe Mexipedieae and subtribe Mexipediinae.
Taxonomy and discovery
This species was initially described as Phragmipedium xerophyticum by Soto Arenas, Salazar & Hágsater in 1990, but transferred to its own genus by Albert & Chase in 1992, in part based on results from DNA analysis. A small number of plants were removed for propagation in case plant hunters eradicated the wild stock. Plants are now available as propagules.
Description and habitat
This is a lithophytic orchid, growing on cliffs, shielded from the sun, at an elevation of .