Tab. 5640. 

 BLETIA Sherrattiana. 



Sherratfs Bletia. 



Nat. Orel. Orchide^:. — Gynandria Monandhia. 

 Gen. Char. (Vide supra, Tab. 3319.) 



Bletia Slierrattiana ; pseudobulbis depressia, foliis 3-4-plicatis utrinque 

 acuminatis, scapis simplicibus apice racemosis subbrevioribus, floribus 

 intense roseis, bracteis acuminatis ovario brevioribus, sepalis oblongo- 

 lanceolatis obtuse acutis, petalis duplo latioribus, labelli trifidi lobis 

 lateralibus apertis rotundatis maximis planis, intermedio multo niinore 

 reniformi medio apiculato, lamellis 3 aureis parallelis totum axim 

 labelli percurrentibus. Columna clavata, arcuata, baud conspicue alata. 



-Bateman. 



This, which is perhaps the prettiest of the true Bletias, is 

 a native of New Granada, whence the Messrs. Low imported 

 it about the year 1864. In its habit it is so similar to the 

 old and well-known B. verecunda that it Avas quite a surprise 

 to me when the spikes of bright-rosy flowers showed them- 

 selves in all their distinctness and beauty. As the plant is 

 quite new, I have named it after my gardener, Mr. Sherratt, 

 who almost from a child has been specially devoted to 

 Orchids. 



As regards culture that, of course, is of the simplest 

 character. Being terrestrial, it requires a large pot, and 

 being found at a lower level than most of the New Granada 

 species, it can scarcely be classed among " cool " Orchids. 

 The Cattleya or intermediate house seems to suit it well. 



Desce. Pseudobulbs flattened, about two inches across. 

 Leaves three or four, plicated, acuminate at either end, 

 raised upon an upright, greenish stalk, including which they 

 are nearly a yard long. Bracts acuminate, shorter than the 

 ovaries. Flowers of a very delicate texture, a dozen or more 

 in a somewhat dense terminal mass, bright rose-colour. 

 Sepals about an inch long, oblong-lanceolate, bluntish. Petals 

 june 1st, 18G7. 



