of the leaves the fragments of two peduncles of which 
the much stouter one might well represent a proliferous 
stem. 
Stelis Huancabambae, of which we have seen isotype 
specimens, has usually slightly narrower leaves than those 
of S. purpurea, while the dorsal sepal is commonly some- 
what triangular-ovate and more narrowed above than 
that of S. purpurea, —differences which are inconsequen- 
tial. Contrary to the description of S. Huwancabambae, 
its dorsal sepal is 5- to 7-nerved as in S. purpurea and 
the neuration of the lateral sepals is similar. 
Stelis cordibractea, of which we have seen a specimen 
of the type number, seems to differ from S. purpurea 
only in having shorter stems entirely covered by the 
sheaths and often thicker leaves. 
Stelis phaeantha, represented by the description sup- 
plemented by a floral analysis made under the direction 
of Dr. Schlechter, differs from 8. purpurea, in having 
narrower leaves with a longer petiole. 
Thus it would seem that the concept Stelis purpurea 
should be considered, like the variable 8. Endresii 
Reichb.f. of Central America, as a polymorphic species. 
Besides Peru, it occurs in Colombia and Ecuador. 
The color of the flowers is noted as greenish, greenish 
red with a greenish yellow center, reddish brown, or 
dark red. 
[ 38 ] 
