

PtATB XV. 



CYPJUPEDUM IIIRSUTISSIMUM 



\ tcmtoa tropical herb, forming n tufted i > <>f distichous *trop*hnpcd acute kcrlod cqultanl rotate leaves, 



uniform : ... law, The flowers .. r , ltt on( of die heart of the leaf) cmwnx, on scapes which bear one --r two 



large show; bloeaora* The scape*, bmcto.iiml tack of the sepals arc shaggy with long hair* The upper sepal 



i* broadl) cordate, widi n dorsal rib, pnrplo in the centre and gmm towinb Ihe edge; tlie anterior sepals ovate 



and giwa I !*.♦ petali lT ** laigc mid spreading, broadly tjttthul ,»... , Ujatcd, the lower |wirt* rinufttrly and 



undulatcly lobod, purple in the upper half, greenish and Ihicklj spotted below with dccp*pnrplc. The lip» 



large, pouch-shaped, green, downy, and ciliated, 'I he tferili M itnen b bluntly quadrate, obtiuo at (lie ftngli , 

 with a central bosa 



Cvnurcoini immmmmu* lAtuiUy MS //rafcr, ttrtntfaii l/wonta, t 10 D 



This line plant belongs to o vciy distinct and beautiful group of Orchids, anion*? whieh are many species 

 Mint arc gnat Favourites among cultivators. They all continue fora considerable lime in bloom; and some of 

 : hare Iheir foliage beautifully variegated, while others are of a lively green,— to which latter set bele 



abjed of our plate. Hie last few years have witnessed several fine additions to the Udy** Slippers, and 

 the one which we now figure i* amongst the finest and most distinct It was imported about four yeaw ago 

 from India, along with Cypripedittm Fameanum M and first (lowered at the Paradise Nursery, Ilolloway. 

 whence Sir W. J. Hooker's figure in the Botanical Magazine was derived. Since thai lime another impor- 

 tation of plants has bun effected. 



We have seen but few fine specimens of this species, although then* are many small plants in the country. 

 Every Orchid-grower indeed should possess it. for it is a most useful plant for decorating the Orchid-house 

 during the winter and spring month?. Tin* flowers morcorcr last perfect for » long time; wc hare had it 

 (lowering from February to May, which is accomplished by having several plants and blooming them at dif- 

 ferent times, placing those required fir*t in bloom in the wannest bouse, and the others in the cooler house, 

 and afterwards introducing the latter to the warmer house in succession, as required. It also makes a good 

 exhibition plant. Vc have seen the same plant at four shows, and with the (lowers us perfect after this 

 amount of travelling as before* U the stalks of the flowers arc lied to a small stake, they will not suffer any 

 injury hv removal from plan 1 to place* Tins plant closely resembles Otfpripetlium iatignh and 0, rill" 

 in it? growth, but i? more like the former: indeed it would pnzsdc any one that was not well acquainted with 

 the two plants, to distinguish them by their foliage. \\ hen the Dower-staUca appear, however, they are easily 

 known by the hairiness <>f their surface. 



C$pr!pcrfittm MrtttiimmuM grows about (en inches high, and having liyht shining evcrgrcOT foliage, and 

 being of compact habit, it is a good-looking plant when not in bloom. The flowers are produced from February 

 to May, on Metns winch rise from the centre of the young growth ; they measure sw inches aov^, and an* 

 beautifully varied in colour with light grtvn, purple, and brown. Each flower will last for m weeks or 

 more if kept from damp and in the cooler end of tin* Mexican-house, away Inun draughts, which hitler injure 



lanta as well as the flowers. 



Tin Ctfpriptdium&i not having thick fleshy hulba t<> support ihcm, require a regular and conti- 

 nuous supply of nourisluncnl in order to keep them in a thriving condition. The present species is of free 

 growth, and an abundant bloomer if well cultivated. Tin* requisites arc proper soil and n good supply of 



