~ 
5. The length of the lateral sepals in combination with 
minor variation in the shape of the lateral lobes of 
the lip. 
6. The shape of the lateral lobes of the lip in combi- 
nation with the transition from the cushion callus to 
the three central nerves of the lip. 
Basing determinations on these lines of separation, 
one is able to differentiate six variants which are, in the 
main, reasonably constant florally though often quite 
variable vegetatively, especially so in regard to the in- 
fHlorescence and the size of the plant. 
As one would expect, these variations show some 
intergrades, but we believe that they may be considered 
as a species and five varieties. 
KEY TO THE VARIETIES OF EpPIDENDRUM ONCIDIOIDES 
a, Column with a distinct lateral auricle or well-developed tooth on 
each side 
6. Column more or less sharply reflexed in the middle, veins of the 
mid-lobe of lip usually smooth or nearly so. 
c. Petals broadly spatulate-oblanceolate,commonly markedly broad- 
er than the sepals; column with conspicuous rounded auricles; 
sepals and petals blotched with red-brown or dotted with red- 
purple 
oncidioides 
c, Petals merely oblanceolate, little broader than the sepals or some- 
times narrower; column with narrow tooth-like auricles when au- 
riculate; sepals and petals self-color greenish or greenish yellow 
var. ramonense 
b. Column nearly straight (not at all reflexed or slightly recurved) ; 
veins of the mid-lobe of lip verruculose 
c. Lateral lobes of lip triangular-lanceolate (rarely triangular-ovate) 
to oblong 
var. gravidum 
c. Lateral lobes of lip spatulate or oblong-spatulate 
d. Lateral sepals 15 mm. or less long (usually much less); lateral 
lobes of lip spatulate 
var. Mooreanum 
[ 100 | 
