Tas. XXXVII. 
SOBRALIA MACRANTHA: 
LARGE-FLOWERED SOBRALIA. 
Tribus: EPIDENDRE#®.—Linptey. 
Sopratia macrantha ; foliis ovalibus basi planis, bracteis strobili imbricatis elabris, sepalis oblongo- 
im fo) (=) 
lanceolatis acutis, petalis conformibus majoribus, labello maximo emarginato plano glabro.—Lindl. Sert. 
Orchid. sub. Tab. xxix. Bot. Reg. 1842, Misc. 65. 
Habitat in Oaxacé, Karwinsxt, Ross; in Guatemala, Skinner, Hartwec. 
Description, 
STEMS rising from a compact mass of thick tomentose Roots to the height of from two to ten 
Jeet, sometimes as thick as the little finger. Leaves alternate, oval-lanceolate, greatly acuminated, 
Srom six inches to a foot in length. At its summit the stem swells into a sort of bracteated cone, 
Srom whence, at intervals of several days, issue a succession of large and splendid flowers, each con- 
tinuing only about twelve hours. SEPALS usually about three inches long, oblong, sharp-pointed. 
PETALS larger than the sepals, and like them of a transparent rosy hue. Lip much larger and 
longer than the petals, in the form of a funnel, emarginate at the apex, where its edges are dilated, 
waved, and bent slightly back; the colour of the lip is a more intense rose colour than the petals, 
and beautifully shaded, with deeper tints; at the entrance of the tube the rose colour ceases, and is 
replaced by white passing into yellow, and beautifully veined with crimson streaks. CoL~umNn 
entirely concealed by the lip. 
THIS, perhaps the most beautiful of terrestial Orchidacee, is extensively distributed throughout the 
warmer parts of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Guatemala. 
Although repeatedly gathered by botanical travellers, it was never introduced into this country until 
1841, when, through the care and exertions of Mr. Harrwee and Mr. Skinner, a few plants survived 
the hitherto fatal ordeal of the voyage. Placed in a moist heat, and treated like Bletia or Phaius, these 
plants were found to thrive amazingly, and from one of them, which flowered in the garden of the Horticul- 
tural Society, Miss Draxx was permitted to prepare the accompanying Plate. he splendour of the 
subject speaks for itself. 
Mr. Sxrnwner remarks that in the situations where the plant attained the highest degree of luxuriance, 
he observed that its roots were frequently overflowed with water for two or three months together—in the 
rainy season, of course. Cultivators will, therefore, do well to bear this singular fact in mind, and approxi- 
mate their treatment as closely as circumstances will permit. All Sobralias require a season of rest, which 
is readily obtained by merely removing them from a warm and humid house to one that is cool and dry. 
The present species is more rapid and vigorous in its growth than any hitherto domiciled in our stoves ; it is 
now (July, 1843) flowering profusely at Knypersley. 
