9 



CATASETUM planiceps. 

 Flat-headed Catasetum. 



GYNANDRIA MONANDRIA. 

 Nat. ord. Orchidace^e § Yandex. 

 CATASETUM. Botanical Register, vol. 20. fol. 1667- 



C. planiceps ; sepalis petalisque ovatis conniventibus, labello carnoso galeato 

 rotundato compresso apiculato indiviso margine serrato. 



Notwithstanding our unwillingness to add to the doubtful 

 species of this strange and changeable genus we can hardly 

 hesitate about regarding this as new. It is true that its habit 

 is that of C. maculatum, tridentatum, and semiapertum, from 

 the second of which it differs in its serrated lip, from the first 

 and last in its lip not having the edges incurved, and from all 

 in the singular truncate form of this helmet-shaped organ, 

 which is flattened from front to back and not laterally. 



It is a native of the Spanish Main, whence it was im- 

 ported by Messrs. Loddiges, with whom it flowered in June 

 1841. It is the No. 934 of their catalogue. 



It may be cultivated in a similar way to the other species; 

 by being potted in mossy turf and potsherds mixed with some 

 small pieces of wood. Like other fleshy-stemmed Orchidaceae, 

 this requires three seasons, namely, that of growth, of flower- 

 ing, and of rest. In spring, while in a vigorous state, plenty 

 of water and a humid atmosphere is requisite, at a tempera- 

 ture not less than 70° at night, nor yet above 80° in day, and 

 shaded during sunny weather. As the flowering season 

 advances, the water should be diminished gradually ; and in 

 winter, when the plant is in a dormant state, withheld alto- 

 gether for a few weeks, and the temperature not allowed to 

 rise above 60° or to fall below 50°. 



