of the labellum is attributed both to Brown and Darwin 
(see Fig. 11, which gives a diagrammatized interpretation 
of a monandrous orchid flower according to Darwin’s 
conception). 
ar aa Av az 
Fig. 11. Vascular diagram of a monandrous orchid flower reconstructed 
according to the description of Darwin, 
The Brownian and Darwinian conception of the orchid 
labellum held sway for a long time, influencing subse- 
quent studies to a great extent. Many reports on tera- 
tological orchid flowers were interpreted in the light of 
this hypothesis and were brought forward as evidences in 
favor of it. Even as recently as 1987, Saunders, while 
attempting to advocate her theory of ‘‘carpel polymor- 
phism,’’ fully accepted the old hypothesis, ignoring the 
opposition brought forward in refutation of the Brownian 
and Darwinian views of the orchid labellum. 
Criiger’s views (1865) which are contrary to the com- 
pound concept of the labellum seem to have been ignored 
until 1916, when Worsdell brought out his two volumes 
of ‘Principles of Plant Teratology.’ In this publica- 
tion, Worsdell has accumulated all of the points adduced 
in favor of the compound nature of the labellum and has 
[ 86 | 
