280 oechid-gkowek's manual. 



- that of P. harhata, the minor one that of the P. lepida. It 

 is a very elegant thing, discovered by Mr. Endres in Costa 

 Rica. 



P. lepida. — A very pretty and curious species, with round 

 tapering bulbs about two inches high, and dark green. The 

 flower spikes proceed from the sides of the bulbs, and have 

 from fifteen to twenty flowers ; sepals and petals light brown, 

 slightly tipped with yellow at the apex ; lip light yellow 

 spotted with chocolate brown, white towards the base. Native 

 of Columbia. 



POLYSTACHYA. 



This is a small genus, the species of which are mostly 

 found in various parts of Africa ; to this rule, however, there 

 are a few exceptions. It is a family of small dull-coloured 

 plants, and consequently does not find much favour at the 

 hands of many Orchid growers. 



P. jmbescens. — This beautiful dwarf-growing species has 

 for a long time been in cultivation in our gardens under the 

 name of Epiphora puhescens. It has small pseudobulbs, pro- 

 ducing two or three leaves, which are narrow, dull green, 

 and slightly hairy beneath ; raceme erect, short and many- 

 flowered ; flowers rich bright golden yellow with a few purple 

 lines. This plant grows well in the cool-house, potted in 

 peat and moss, and likes a good supply of water — indeed, 

 it should never be allowed to get dry. It is an abundant 

 bloomer, and is quite an exception to the majority of Poli/s- 

 tachyas in being very showy. Although introduced many 

 years ago, it is still very rare. Native of Algoa Bay. 



Promen^ea. 



This is a small genus of pretty little dwarf-growing 

 Orchids, about three inches high ; they produce their flowers 



