three petals are inconspicuous and often hidden in a tube formed by the curling 
of the bases of the sepals. They are divided into three groups:— 
The first, the dog-fish type, represented by M. Chimaera, is fantastic in the shape 
of the flowers; the second group, represented by M. coccinea, etc., is simple in 
form but brilliant in colouring; while the third group, which produces tiny 
jewel-like flowers, is remarkable both for beauty of form and for the colour 
of its blooms. 
They grow naturally in the cooler parts of tropical Colombia and Peru, half-way 
up the rocky ranges which form the Andes. They are particularly suited for cool 
bushhouse cultivation in Australia, but in places where the temperature falls 
below about 50 degrees it is well to get them under glass in the colder seasons of 
the year. In fact, a temperature of 55 degrees throughout the year is ideal for 
them. In the warmer parts of Brisbane a bushhouse will probably suit them 
admirably throughout the year, but in the frosty parts they will need to be 
removed to the shelter of glass in the Winter. For compost a mixture of good 
fibrous peat, a little loam, leaf-mould, and well matured cow-dung, with some 
green sphagnum moss as a topping, will be productive of good results. They must 
never be allowed to dry out completely at the roots, and, although they should 
have considerably less water in the Winter than in the Summer, their roots must 
always be kept damp. On the other hand, they are very susceptible to black-spot, 
which is due to an over-abundance of water during the dull, cold days of Winter. 
They are also much affected by thrips and red spider, so that a constant watch 
must be kept over them and regular sprayings of nicotine sulphate emulsion 
applied. They like plenty of light, but should be protected from the direct 
rays of the sun. As is the case with most orchids, and particularly those which 
like copious watering during the Summer, the drainage should be as perfect as 
possible, as stagnant water trapped in the pots will rot their roots. 
Repotting should be done at the beginning of Spring (where necessary) in the 
case of the Chimaera and the small-flowering types, while the second group is 
best treated at the beginning of Autumn. 
The following are the better known and more desirable species: — 
MASDEVALLIA AMABILIS. Native of Peru. 
A charming species of the second group which grows in dense tufts with erect, 
fleshy, green leaves on tapering, channelled stalks. The leaves are about 5 inches 
long and nearly an inch wide, the apex being recurved and pointed. The scape, 
which grows to about 9 inches, is erect and carries a single flower. The tube is 
about an inch long, a brilliant carmine on the top, and pink underneath. The 
dorsal sepal is erect, } inch wide at the base, narrowing to a long pointed tail. The 
two lower sepals are about 14 inches long, joined together for about a third of 
their length, then tapering to tails. In colour the sepals are a bright, rosy carmine. 
It flowers in late Spring or early Summer, the blooms lasting about a fortnight. 
Var. lineata.—Similar in form to the type, but the throat and the upper sepal are 
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