CHAPTER’ “X Ve 
BRASSIA. 
THIS genus includes about twenty species, which are some- 
what widely distributed over tropical America. There is very 
little difference, in a botanical sense, between Brassia and 
Oncidium, some botanists uniting the two under the latter 
name. Horticulturally, however, Brassia is very distinctly 
characterised by the long, tail-like form of its sepals and 
petals, and by the absence of wings from the sides of the 
column. All the cultivated species are robust, free-growing 
plants, very similar to some Oncidiums in habit, and when 
strong they flower every year. The flowers are not 
remarkable for any brilliancy of colour, but they find 
many admirers on account of their large size and spider- 
like form. 
Culture.—These plants succeed in either pots or pans; 
the drainage must be thorough, and they should be potted 
in good fibrous peat, with a little sphagnum and sand 
added. They should be placed in the warm end of the 
Cattleya or intermediate house, and be liberally supplied 
with water during the summer. In winter, still keep them 
in the same position, and give just sufficient moisture to 
prevent the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling. The flowers 
remain in good condition a long time on the plants. 
