236 Alfred J. Burnt : 



This orchid was hist discovered by Mr. Tovey at Mentone, in* 

 June, 1907, and was' growing near both P. praeeox and P. concinna. 



Its chief distinguishing features were that the vegetative leaves- 

 were arranged alternately along the stem as in P. praeeox, while 

 the labellum was slightly bifid; but not nearly so pronounced as in 

 P. concinna. In examination of several fresh specimens, the label- 

 lum of P. Toveyana was found to be broader and longer than 

 either of the two before-mentioned. 



In some cases it was found that the rule was departed from. 

 Occasionally some of the plants had the higher leaves alternately 

 arranged as in P. praeeox, and two or three basal ones as a radical 

 rosette as in P. concinna. 



This latter feature suggested hybridisation, and the orchids were- 

 exhibited in June, 1907, at the Field Naturalists' Club meeting as- 

 such. However, it was suggested that Mr. Tovey should keep the 

 orchid under observation. 



He has done so, and during the eight years that have elapsed 

 since that date it has kept time to its original characteristics. But 

 he has note,d that when the plant is young, and first flowers, some 

 of the leaves show as a basal rosette; but that the stem quickly 

 elongates, and the leaves then take up the alternate arrangement, so 

 that what was apparently a hybrid feature is thus shown to be only 

 a question of the age of the plant. 



Specimens for the years 1907, 1909, 1913, 1914, 191?, are pre- 

 server! in the Melbourne Herbarium. 



This orchid flowers in June, and we were able to visit the locality 

 and see the orchid in its habitat, and obtain drawings from fresh 

 specimens. 



Notes on other Orchids. 



1. A very large specimen of P. praeeox, var. robusta, collected 

 by Miss Bunbury, Geography Bay, W. Aust.. suggests a very great 

 similarity to P. truncata, Fite. It agrees in many respects with 

 that species, and especially so in a very striking feature — i.e., in 

 having a gland in the sinus of the column. 



2. /'. grandifiora, B.Br., a most characteristic feature, apart 

 from its very distinct type of labellum, is the wing-like character of 

 the lateral sepals of the galea. Both are broadened out, and have 

 a somewhat pinnate veining. This was noted by Mr. Tovey. 



3. P. grandifiora (R.Br.), var. Frenchii (Mueller). Upper Avoca, 

 May. 1895, Alex. Purdie. is undoubtedly a typical form of P. 

 reflexa. 



