CHAPTER: ERG 
SOPHRONITIS. 
THIS genus was founded by Dr. Lindley upon S. cernua, 
which was introduced from Rio Janeiro in 1826. The 
small size and neat habit of that species suggested the 
generic name, sophron, a Greek word, signifying modest 
or unassuming. Although applicable to the first-discovered 
species, the title seems somewhat out of place when 
applied to a plant so brilliant and attractive as S. grandi-_ 
flora. Only three species are known, all of which are 
natives of Brazil. They are small, compact plants, the 
pseudo-bulbs clustered on the rhizome, and each bearing a 
solitary leaf. The scape springs from the base of the 
matured pseudo-bulb, and is usually one-flowered. Well- 
managed plants flower profusely. The two lower sepals 
are united at the base, and the lip is erect and three- 
lobed; the column is short and thick, winged; and there 
are eight pollinia, in two cells. The genus is very closely 
related to Cattleya. | 
Culture.—These plants recommend themselves especially 
to those who possess only limited room for the cultivation 
of tender subjects. In a cool Orchid-house their culture 
is of the simplest possible nature, as they only require 
to be planted in small, shallow pans, or fastened upon 
blocks of wood, with a little sphagnum moss and peat 
