PETALOTDEJE. 669 



outer whorl ; one (the labellum or lip) {fig. 1031, ps) posterior, 

 or by the twisting of the ovary anterior {fig. 1030), usually 

 longer and larger than the other pieces, and altogether different 

 to them in form {fig. 1030), often spurred {fig. 532) ; sometimes 

 the labellum exhibits a division into 3 regions, of which the 

 lowest is termed the hypochiliiun, the middle the mesochilium , 

 and the upper the epichilium. Andrc^cium united to the style 

 (gynandrous) {figs. 532, 552, and 1030) in a central column 

 or gynostemium. The column usually bearing 1 perfect anther 

 and two lateral abortive ones, or rarely two lateral perfect 

 anthers and one abortive anther in the centre. PoUcn powder)-, 

 or more or less collected into grains, or in waxy or mealy masses 

 {pollinia) {fig. 550, p) ; the masses free or attached by their 

 stalk, c (caudicle), to the apex {rostelluiii) of the stignia {fig. 

 bb2). Ovary inferior, 1 -celled, with 3 parietal placentas {figs. 

 608 and 1031), bearing a number of anatropous ovules; style 

 united with the andrcecium and forming with it a column or 

 gynostemium {figs. 532 and 1030) ; stigma a viscid space in front 

 of the column {fig. 552). Fruit usually capsular, 3-valved {fiq. 

 1032); the valves bear the placentas in their middle, and sepa- 

 rate from the central parts or midribs of the component carpels, 

 which are left as an open frame- work ; the fruit is rarely fleshy, 

 and indehiscent. ^eecls very minute and numerous {fig. 1032)' 

 with a loose netted, or rarely hard crustaceous testa, exalbu- 

 minous ; embryo a fleshy solid mass. 



Diagnosis. — This order is known by its irregular flowers ; by the 

 peculiar form which the labellum assumes in many cases, so as 

 to cause the flower to resemble some insect, reptile, bird, or other 

 living object ; by its gynandrous stamens ; by its coherent pollen ; 

 and by its 1-celled inferior ovary with 3 parietal placentas. 



Distribution, Sfc, — They are more or less abundantly dis- 

 tributed in nearly every region of the globe, except in those 

 which have a very cold or dry climate. Some species are 

 terrestrial and occur chiefly in temperate regions ; others are 

 epiphytal and are confined to hot climates. Examples of the 

 Genera: — Malaxis, Dendrobiura, Cattleya, Vanda, Oncidium, 

 Stanhopea, Orchis, Habenaria, Spiranthes, Cypripedium. Lind- 

 ley estimated the order to contain about 3,000 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants of this order, which present 

 so much interest from the singularity, beauty, and fragrance 

 of their flowers, are of little importance in an economical or 

 medicinal point of view. Some are aromatic and fragrant, 

 several possess nutritious roots, and others produce a colouring 

 matter like indigo. 



Angreecumfragrans. —The dried leaves of this fi-agrant species are used as 

 a kind of tea in the Mauritius ; this tea is commonly known as Faham or 

 Bourbon tea. It has been lately introduced into London and Paris, but is 

 not much esteemed. This tea should be prepared by boiling, and is'recom- 



