1 



dentical with O. papiliona 



Sprengel asserts, that the 



figure in the Icones is a mere error, arising from its havmg 

 been copied from a wretched drawing. But M. de Can- 

 dolle, in his Flore Fran^aise, entertains a different opinion, 

 and distinguishes O . rubra, that is to say, the Piedmontese 

 plant described by Allioni under that name, by its smaller 

 labellum, which is very slightly crenulated, and neither 

 truncate nor emarginate at its apex. We have specimens 

 called O. rubra from Granddidier's Herbarium, which 

 answer to this statement ; but they are otherwise so similar 

 to our O. papilionacea from Naples, that we do not think 

 it advisable to distinguish them even as varieties. 



Roots fleshy, undivided. Leaves short, oblong-ensiform, 

 spreading, obtuse. Stem erect, a foot high, or something 

 less, with membranous venous sheaths, which are greenish 

 at the apex. Spike 5-7-flowered. Bi^actece membranous 

 dilated, pink, venous, 

 reddish purple 



longer 



than the ovarmm 



Sepals 



ascending; the lower ones some- 

 what falcate backwards. Labellum pale purple, oblong, 

 obtuse, undivided, somewhat undulated, crenulate ; spur 



thick, conical, straight, somewhat 



shorter than the 



ovarmm . 



J. L 



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