CHAPTER XXI. 
CMYSIS. 
THE several cultivated species of this genus are remarkable 
for their large, fleshy flowers, and one of them—viz., C. 
bractescens—is handsome enough to rank among the most 
select of Orchids. All the kinds have large, fleshy pseudo- 
bulbs, about 1ft. long, thin at the base, and greyish green. 
The leaves are lance-shaped, and have prominent nerves; 
when the growth ripens, the leaves wither and fall off. 
The flowers are in short racemes, and are developed along 
with the new growth; the sepals and petals are fleshy, 
broad and spreading, and the lip is large, with prominent 
side lobes and a recurved middle lobe. The introduced 
kinds are natives of Mexico or Colombia. 
Culture.—Teak baskets, pans, or pots, may be used for 
these plants; they like plenty of root-room, good drainage, 
and a mixture of peat-fibre and sphagnum. When growing, 
they must have tropical treatment, with plenty of water at 
the roots. When growth is finished, they should be removed 
to an intermediate house, and be kept rather dry till they 
begin to grow again. They should be re-potted as soon 
as new growth shows itself. 
C. aurea.—This has rounded pseudo-bulbs, about gin. 
long, and broad, lance-shaped leaves; the flowers are tawny 
