ON ABNORMAL CYPRIPEDIUM FLOWERS. 45 
Notes on Abnormal Cypripedium Flowers. By Miss M. F. 
Ewart, B.Sc. (Botanical Laboratory, University College, 
London). (Communicated by Prof. F. W. Ontver, F.L.S.) 
[Read 16th June, 1892.] 
(Puares I. & II.) 
I. Cypripepium SEDENI. 
THE subject of the first of these notes is a flower of Cypripedium 
Sedeni (the well-known hybrid of C. longifolium and C. Schlimiz), 
which occurred in the conservatory attached to the Botanical 
department at University College. The plant in question pro- 
duced three flowers in the autumn of 1891; but it was only in 
the middle one of the three that any abnormality was observable. 
A superficial glance at the flower showed that two labellums 
were present (Pl. I. fig. 1); but, in addition to this, the andracium 
was affected, and the ovary exhibited a diminution of parts and also 
concrescence, down one side, with the axis on which the flower 
was inserted. The obliquity in position displayed by the un- 
folded flower (fig. 1) is referable probably to this fusion of ovary 
and axis. The flower shows five prominent perianth members, 
2. e. two sepals (s, and s,), the two labellums (p, and p,), and a 
third petal (p,) on the opposite side of the flower. The relations 
of the third sepal will be discussed below. The column in the 
centre possesses a stigma (st., fig. 4) and a single anther (az.). 
There is no staminode present nor any trace of the usual lateral 
stamens. The anther is on the side of the column directed 
towards the unpaired flat petal, the stigma towards the labellums. 
The plane which passes through the unpaired petal (p,) and 
between the two labellums includes the anther and stigma. 
Below the labellums—that is to say, outside the flower—is a 
curious attached structure which, since it is the key to the 
situation, must be described. 
The attached Growth.—This is shown in fig. 2 slightly twisted 
out of its natural position (which is behind the flower in this 
view), and in fig. 3 in greater detail. The structure exhibits a 
longitudinal slit above, which runs from the insertion of the 
flower to its apex. There is a similar longitudinal slit along the 
under surface, running the entire length ; but it is somewbat 
obscured by the close overlapping of its edges. Dissection shows 
