32 



CHAPTER 11. 



THE GENERA ACANTHOPHIPPIUM, GOVENIA, 

 PHAJUS, CALANTHE, BLETIA, PESOMERIA, 

 AND SARCOCHILUS. 



These are natives of various parts of India 

 and Xalapa, and are what is generally termed 

 terrestrial Orchidece, on account of their grow- 

 ing upon the ground, in contradistinction to the 

 generality of orchidaceous plants; which, from 

 being inhabitants of trees, have the term epijihijte 

 applied to them. 



The flowers of the first genus are not remark- 

 ably handsome, but contrasting well with its fine 

 foliage renders it worthy of cultivation ; the 

 chief point in growing them to perfection is to 

 place a good drainage under them, as they re- 

 quire a plentiful supply of water during their 

 growth. 



The mode that I shall recommend for their cul- 

 tivation is in pots of sufficient size to admit the 

 plant to root freely ; the plant should be full 

 two inches from the side every way ; when they 



