154 BURMA, ITS PEOPLE AND PRODUCTIOSS. 



All the plants kno\\Ti to me as belonging to this genus come under the head of 

 Oberonia, -n-hich Lindley constituted a distinct genus ; but Reiclienbach (whom I 

 generally follow) unites Oberonia with Mulaxis. The following short description is 

 only applicable to Ohcronia. 



Small stemless Epiphytes, pendulous from trees, to -which they are attached by 

 fibrous roots. They are readily distinguished by their generally flat (somewhat 

 rounded in 0. myosurm), fleshy, distichous (two-ranked) equitant leaves (set edge- 

 wise), which are broad and self-clasping at their base, and taper to a point. The 

 flowers are minute and are seated on a rachis, which proceeds from the axis of the 

 leaves, and somewhat resembles a rat's tail. Size, from 3 to 6 inches, or even a 

 foot. About 10 species. Pollen-masses 4, incumbent (back to back). 



BuLBOPnYLLuit, Thouar. 



A considerable genus of veiy uncertain limits, that is to say, it is made by some 

 authorities to include several small groups of plants, which, in the opinion of others, 

 should be separated from it ; and, indeed, have been so separated and received 

 distinct generic names. These distinctions cannot here be given. It must suffice 

 to say that BxdbopliyUum, as hero defined, includes Trias and Cirrlxopetalum of 

 Lindley. These all agree in the following characters. They have a creeping 

 rhizome or root-stock emitting rootlets from the under surface, on which rhizome 

 are seated, at longer or shorter intervals, pseudo-bulbs (really leaf-bearing stems), 

 with a solitary leaf at theii' summit. Occasinnally, however, no apparent pseudo- 

 bulb is developed at the base of the leaf, which then sits with a short foot-stalk 

 closely on to the rhizome. In some cases, again, the pseudo-bulbs are so crowded 

 as completely to conceal the rhizome. The inflorescence is various, but always, 

 whether consisting of solitary flowers, or dense or umbellate heads or racemes, 

 supported on a longer or shorter scape or leafless stalk, which arises from the base 

 of the pseudo-bulb and derives its nourishment from it. The flowers have their 

 small labellum or lip versatile, that is, easily moved, in consequence of its very light 

 attachment to the prolonged base of the column, which column has two horns or 

 arms projecting from the top, one on each side of the anther. The flowers of this 

 genus, though for the most part small, are often very beautiful and highly curious, 

 from the varied forms which their different parts assume. The pollen-masses are 

 4, in pairs, sometimes adhering but separable, sometimes connate, in which case 

 one of each pair is very much smaller than the other. Species about 40. 



B. AUKicojiuM (Fragrant Bulboph}-llum). 



This is the ta-zeen-ban of the Burmese, " much prized by the youths and 

 maidens, Burmese and Kai'cn, who are extremely fond of wearing it in their hair." 

 — F.M. Pseudo-bulbs ovate, 1 inch long. Flowers in a long pendulous raceme, 

 small, white or golden yellow, fi'agrant. AVhen in flower, the plant is leafless. 



B. CiRETAxm (Carey's Bulbophyllum). 



" This is a common Orchid in the vicinity of Maulmain." — F.il. Pseudo- 

 bulbs rather large, ovate ; leaf, long, strap-shaped. Flowers in a dense cylindrical 

 spike, small, greenish purple. A worthless plant. 



B. (Trias) oblongitm. 



Dr. ilason remarks that this is the smallest Orchid known to him. There are 

 several smaller, notably, B. nwnoliforme, the pseudo-bulbs of which are only ^th of an 

 inch in diameter. Of this plant, as being the smallest Orchid known to me (though 

 many others have sru'diMer flowers), I give a short description. 



B. woNiLiFOEiiE (Necklace Bulbophyllum). 



Pseudo-bulbs very small, \ inch, round, depressed, closely seated on a slender- 

 branched rhizome, which they completely conceal. Leaf one to each bulb, lance- 

 shaped, barely ^ inch long, falling ott' before the flowers appear. Flowers solitary, 

 at the end of a slender scape which is ^ inch high, themselves about | inch in 

 diameter. Sepals yellowish, striped with orange. Petals much smaller, blunt. Lip 



