LIST OF COOL ORCHIDS. 87 



outline, and flat, bearing one thick oblong leaf. Flowers from 

 five to six on a spike, twelve to eighteen inches long ; sepals 

 and petals pure white ; lip white, with a purple blotch on the 

 disc ; individual flowers from one to two inches across. This 

 plant is called the " Flor de Jesu " by the Guatemalese, on 

 account of its purity. It flowers freely in January or 

 February, lasting from two to three weeks in perfection. 



a. L. acuminata violacca. — This is a pretty form of the 

 above, with delicate rosy-violet flowers. 



L. alhida (Guatemala, 1838). — This is a free-flowering species, 

 similar in habit to the beautiful L. autumnalie. It grows 

 well on a block of " virgin cork " or Acacia. Flowers borne 

 on a slender scape from one to two feet long ; individual blooms 

 one and a half to two inches across ; greenish when they 

 first expand, afterwards becoming a clear white ; lip white, 

 with a streak of lemon-yellow on the disc. Flowers in 

 December or January, lasting a month or five weeks. Like 

 the last, its crystalline flowers are useful for bouquets, as 

 they remain fresh a long time after being removed from the 

 plant. 



L. anceps (Mexico, 1834). — Pseudo-bulbs from four to six 

 inches long, angular, one leaved; leaves oblong, dark green. 

 Flower-scape from two to four feet long, four or five flowered ; 

 flowers from two to four inches across ; colour rosy lilac, 

 with a crimson velvet lip, having a golden trilobed crest down 

 its centre ; flowers perfumed, lasting for four to six weeks 

 in perfection. Strong plants produce an abundant supply of 

 bloom in December. 



a. L. anceps Barkeriana is a richer coloured variety but scarce. 



5. L. ancc2is Bavjsonl. — This is a strikingly beautiful variety 

 of the normal type, from which it differs in having pure white 

 sepals and petals, and a white lip, with a bright purple blotch 

 on its apex. A rare and desirable plant. 



