CYPRIPEDIUM HYBRIDS 
For many years the Cypripediums have received much attention at the hands of 
the hybridisers, and as a result there are now thousands of hybrids available to 
growers of orchids. Many of these hybrids are of great beauty, both of form and 
colouring, but most of them are of less interest than the original species from 
which they were raised. Many of these hybrids are so similar that it may be said 
that they differ from each other only in name. 
From a cultural point of view, most of the hybrids are easier to cultivate success- 
fully than are the native species. This,can be understood when it is realised that 
the hybrid plants purchased have often been under cultivation through several 
generations; whereas, as a general rule, the species are plucked from their native 
resting place and shipped overseas to us where we endeavour to establish them 
under conditions which often differ in every essential from those prevailing in 
the land of théir origin. 
It is outside the scope of this work to give any list of the hybrids grown or 
offered. I would suggest, however, that before any hybrid is acquired, its pedigree 
be traced through that very fine work, ‘Sanders Orchid Hybrids.” By doing 
this, growers will be able to ascertain to some extent whether the conditions they 
have available are suited to the particular hybrid proposed to be purchased. Gen- 
erally speaking, hybrid Cypripediums do best in an ordinary glasshouse in Sydney 
and in the cooler parts of Queensland. In the warmer parts, however, ordinary 
bushhouse treatment will serve. 
All hybrids tend to preserve the characteristics of their forebears. Hence a 
cross between two species belonging to the first group will definitely need the 
warmest treatment—while a cross between two of the third group will probably 
thrive under bushhouse conditions. Where the hybrid is a product of a cross 
between species of different groups, it is safer to give it glasshouse treatment. 
When the plant is the product of several generations of hybridisation, it will 
probably have lost most of its original requirements and have become inured to 
the artificial conditions pertaining to orchid cultivation, and will, therefore, be 
best served by glasshouse treatment. 
PHRAGMOPEDILUM BOISSIERIANUM. Native of Peru. 
One of the most wonderful of the genus. The leaves are very long, narrow and 
grass-like, curved backwards, and a bright shining green. The scape is long (up to 
about 2 feet), often branching, and carrying several flowers which open in slow 
succession. The dorsal sepal is narrow, and curves forward over the body of the 
flowers; the petals are up to 5 inches long, narrow and twisted, and with undulat- 
ing edges standing out horizontally. Sepals and petals are pale green or yellowish- 
green, netted closely with veins of darker green. The pouch is round and smooth, 
with curious cuts about the mouth. It is brownish-green, much spotted with 
darker brown in the upper parts. Each flower rests in a large boat-shaped bract of 
bright yellow, margined with white. 
This species grows in the tropical rain forests of north-eastern Peru. It requires 
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