Moreover, a floral analysis of Malaais maianthemifolia 
A.Rich. & Gal., which is the type of Mycrostylis fasti- 
giata Reichb. f., shows a lateral sepal which conspicuously 
surpasses the lip, as in Microstylis longisepala. Indeed, 
it would seem to us that the degree of superiority of one 
organ over another, if of limited extent, is scarcely a 
logical basis for specific separation in a variable genus. 
A record of the type of Microstylis inguella does not 
show any characters to separate it from Malavis fastigi- 
ata. Like the typical form of Malavis fastigiata, this 
species has a linear-lanceolate rostriform termination to 
the lip. Judging from Reichenbach’s analysis of the spe- 
cies, it has rather narrowly lanceolate sepals. 
Altogether Malavis fastigiata appears to be an ex- 
tremely variable species. ‘The most striking points of 
variation are the size, the presence of one or two leaves 
on the stem, the narrowed-clasping or cordate base of the 
leaf and the degree of acumination of the lip. 
The species extends through Mexico, Guatemala 
and Honduras to Bolivia, as well as to Santa Martha [Co- 
lombia] fide Ridley. 
Malaxis hastilabia (Peichb.f.) O. Kuntze Rev. 
Gen. Pl. 2 (1891) 673. 
Microstylis hastilabia Reichenbach filius Beitr. Orch. 
Centr.-Am. (1866) 101. 
Malaxis uncinata’ Ames & Schweinfurth in Sched. 
Orch. 10 (1980) 15. 
The Costa Rican Malavis uncinata was separated 
from the Costa Rican Microstylis hastilabia by the pres- 
ence of uncinate basal auricles of the lip. However, the 
recent receipt from the Reichenbachian Herbarium of a 
floral analysis which represents Reichenbach’s conception 
of the flower of Microstylis hastilabia shows that these 
basal auricles approach too nearly those of Malaais wn- 
[118 | 
