Tab. 5656. 



EPIDEND11UM CNEMIDOPHORUM. 

 Sheathed Epidendrum. 



Xat. Ord. Okcride^;. — GtTnanuria Monandkia. 

 Gen. Char. {Vide supra, Tab. 5336.) 



-CiPiBEKDETJM (Spathinm) cnemidophorum ; spathis p]urimis foliaceis equi- 

 tantibus obtusis, racemo niultifloro sessili cernuo simplici vel (rarius) 

 paniculato, bracteis linearibus, sepalis oblongis obtusis, petalis lineari- 

 bus, columna sigmoidea, labelli lobis carnosis integerrimis lobis Iate- 

 ralibna rotundatis, intermedio cuneato bilobo rotundato, callis 2 maxi- 

 niis lineisque tribus elevatis quarum intermedia major. Lindl. Fol. 

 Orch. 



Ei'iDENimuM cnemidophorum. Lind, Fol. Orch. 



This most remarkable plant was long since discovered by 

 the late Mr. Skinner, who laboured ineffectually for many 

 years to introduce it alive into our gardens. At length how- 

 ever his perseverance was rewarded, and he had the satis- 

 faction of receiving, early in 1864, a cargo of some twenty 

 or thirty specimens, all in the most perfect condition, and of 

 which some were sold at Stevens's .Rooms, while others, with 

 his wonted generosity, were distributed amongst his friends. 

 Among the latter Sir Philip Egerton was not forgotten, and 

 from a particularly fine specimen that flowered at Oulton, 

 and which was exhibited at South Kensington in April last, 

 Mr. Fitch's very characteristic representation was obtained. 

 Even this however by no means conveys an adequate idea 

 of the stately appearance presented by the plant, the stems 

 of which were when exhibited already some five feet high, 

 while a dozen still more vigorous growths were preparing to 

 follow. 



In its native country (Guatemala) it is found at an eleva- 

 tion of at least 7000 feet, and it must consequently be kept 

 cool, if we would expect it to thrive in our collections. 

 At Oulton it receives little more than ordinary greenhouse 



august 1st. 1867. 



