85 



135. EPIDENDRUM inversum ; pseudobulbis elongatls compressis, foliis 

 loratis caiuiliculatis obtusis, spica terminali sub-6-floro, bracteis brevibus 

 ovatls acuminatis, ovario triquctro, sepalis pctalisquc patentibus llncari-lan- 

 ceolatis convexis suba-qualibus, labello adnato oblongo acuniiiiato basi con- 

 vcxo ecalloso, columiui obtuse 3-dentata, antherse cardinis appendice ob- 

 longa denticulata. 



A Brazilian epiphyte, nearly related to Epidendrum fra- 

 (jrans^ for which I am obliged to Messrs. Loddiges. The 

 Howers are straw-coloured, with a few purple streaks on the 

 column and at the base of the lip, and have a heavy not 

 very pleasant smell, something like that of Ground ivy 

 {Glechomd). Of this form of the genus Epidendrum, of 

 which E. fragrans may be selected as the type, there are 

 now several species on record, and it is probable tliat many 

 more remain to be discovered ; I am already acquainted im- 

 perfectly with more than one undescribed species. It will 

 therefore be necessary to provide a distinct section for such 

 species, to which the name of Osmophytum may be assigned, 

 in allusion to their being usually scented plants. 



136. IPOIVKEA Purga. Wenderoth : Schlecht. in Linnsea, viii. 515. Lindley 

 Flora medica, no. 809. 



This beautiful plant, whose fleshy root is one of the 

 species from which the principal sujiply of Jalap is derived, 

 has been obtained from Mexico by several persons ; and has 

 lately flowered with Thomas Harris, Esq. of Kingsbury. Its 

 slender flowers are of a rich crimson colour, and about four 

 inches long. All Botanical observations upon the species I 

 reserve till I can publish a figure of the plant ; but as it is 

 already in the possession of many persons, and will soon 

 become common, I am unwilling to keep back the following 

 useful notes upon its cultivation, for which I am indebted to 

 Mr. D. Beaton, Mr. Harris's intelligent gardener. 



" It seems to require a cool atmosphere and plenty of 

 room at the roots, and yet the latter are neither numerous 

 nor strong. In the stove it grows too vigorously, without 

 any disposition to flower. I had one plant in a pot all this 

 season in the orange house, but if I had turned it out against 

 the front of the stove I have no doubt it would liave suc- 

 ceeded better in regard to flowering. To keep the roots or 

 tubers dry from November to March, then to force them 

 slightly, and afterwards to harden them, so as to stand the 



