CHAPTER: Xie 
MORMODES. 
THIS is a genus of remarkable and interesting plants, some 
of which also possess great beauty. It is nearly related 
to Catasetum, and differs chiefly in not having horns 
attached to the column. The plants are deciduous, losing 
their leaves in the late autumn. The pseudo-bulbs are 
stem-like, and taper towards the top, the older ones being 
clothed with the basal portions of the fallen leaves. The 
leaves are lance-shaped, plaited, about five or six in number, 
and are strengthened by several longitudinal ribs. The 
flowers are produced on thick, fleshy scapes originating 
in the nodes on various parts of the pseudo-bulbs; they 
are chiefly remarkable for the curiously-twisted column 
and lip, the latter being much incurved, and contracting 
at the base into a claw. The species are all epiphytal, 
and are natives of Central America and Mexico. 
Culture-—Mormodes may be grown in pots of peat- 
fibre and sphagnum, and during the summer months should 
occupy the lightest position in the warm house. If, as is 
necessary, the pots are half-filled with drainage, the roots 
should receive copious supplies of water when growth has 
well commenced. Care must be observed, however, at the 
earliest stages. At that time, the back pseudo-bulbs furnish 
an adequate supply of nourishment to the young growths, 
