6C NAT. ORDER. ORCHIDACE.«:. 



This elegant species of dendrohium is a native of Nepal, in 

 the East Indies, from whence it was imported some years ago ir.to 

 the city of London, and is now beginning to be cultivated in many 

 parts of Europe. Though well known to the cultivators of or- 

 chidaceous plants, we think it probable that many of our readers 

 have never had an opportunity of seeing this, especially as it js 

 but very little known by the florists of this country, and on th'^t 

 account we have thought best to give it a place in the "Flora," 

 hoping by this to induce some more able botanist to give a more 

 lengthy description, both of its history and medical propertief 



For cultivation it requires to be kept in a warm and huniid 

 state while growing, but more cool and dry during the period of 

 rest. It should be potted in rough peat and broken pots ; it is also 

 increased by dividing, like many others of this tribe. The generic 

 name, dendrohium, is derived from the Greek, wood, in allusion to 

 the habit of the sj^ecies growing upon trees, and thus ornamenting 

 with their tortuous stems and beauteous flowers the extensive for- 

 ests of India, where the greater portion of them are found. The 

 specific wmTxe, Jimhriatum, has reference to the fringed margin of 

 the lip. 



Medical Properties and Uses. We have searched in vain some 

 very extensive botanical libraries, for the purpose of gathering 

 some information in support of the medicinal \artues of this valu- 

 able plant ; and not being able to obtain any satisfactory evidence 

 on this point, will proceed to state briefly some of its most impor- 

 tant medical properties, and its application to use. A gentleman 

 who is a resident physician in Scotland, informed me that he found 

 this plant serviceable in all nervous diseases, and that he consid- 

 ered it superior to any other article in the vegetable kingdom, as a 

 nervine. It also possesses sudorific and diuretic properties. The 

 leaves are the part which are recommended for use. 



