66 ORCHIDS. 
admirable background for the rosy-purple flowers. The 
flowers are numerous, on scapes about rft. high, each flower 
measuring 2in. across; the lip is white, streaked and edged 
with crimson. Introduced from China in 1802. Syns. B. 
gebina, B. japonica. 
Fig. 16; Botanical Magazine, t. 1492. 
B. patula.—This handsome plant has roundish pseudo- 
bulbs 2in. in diameter, and plaited leaves 143ft. in length. 
The flower-spike rises from the young growth in March, 
and grows to 3ft. in height, bearing about a score of red- 
dish-lilac coloured flowers, each upwards of 2in. across. 
The base of the lip is white, as are also the six ridges 
occurring on the disk. During growth this plant requires a 
warmer atmosphere than the others, and should be placed 
with the Cattleyas. A native of the West Indies ; introduced 
in 1830. 
Botanical Magazine, t. 3518. 
B. Shepherdiii—A strong-growing species, producing its 
long, branching spikes of flowers during the winter months. 
The leaves are broadly lance-shaped, and about r4ft. long; 
the flowers are of a uniform deep purple colour, except the 
centre of the lip, which is dull yellow. A native of Jamaica; 
introduced in 1825. 
Botanical Magazine, t. 3319. 
B. Sherrattiana.—This species is probably the prettiest 
of all. Its pseudo-bulbs are flattened, 2in. in diameter, and 
carry three or four plaited leaves, which taper towards either 
end. The flowers are of delicate texture, but large and 
showy; they are produced towards the top of an erect spike, 
3ft. in height, twelve or more flowers occurring on a spike. 
The sepals and petals are of a bright rosy-red colour, and 
about in. long, the former being oblong in shape, and 
