BOLBOPHYLLtM. 59 



B. Shepkerdii, from Jamaica. The flowers are purple, 

 marked down the centre with yellow : blooms during the 

 winter months on a long spike, which keeps in perfection 

 three or four weeks. 



B. patula, from the same place as the last. Produces its 

 dark purple flowers, which last three or four weeks, on a long 

 spike, in March or April. These plants require to be well 

 grown to make them flower. The colour is distinct from 

 many of our Orchids, and the flowers produce a good effect 

 in a house. These plants are not thought much of by many 

 Orchid-growers, but I think they are worth the care that is 

 bestowed upon them on account of their colour. 



BOLBOPHYLLUM. 



There are several species of this genus, but only one that 

 is worth growing, Henshalli ; the flowers of the others are 

 curious, particularly the labellum, on which the least breath 

 of air or the slightest motion causes a tremulous or dancing 

 movement. They are chiefly valued as curiosities, require 

 but very little room, and thrive best on small blocks of wood 

 with a little moss, suspended in a warm part of the house ; 

 the roots require a good supply of water. They are propa- 

 gated by dividing the bulb. 



B. barUgerum, from Sierra Leone. A curious dwarf 

 species, sepals and petals greenish brown ; the lip is covered 

 with dark-coloured hair. It lasts long in bloom. 



B. Henshalli, from Java, introduced by Messrs. Veitch of 

 Exeter and Messrs. Rollisson of Tooting. The flowers are 

 large, the sepals deep yellow, the upper part marked with 

 purple and spotted. It produces its solitary flowers during 

 the summer months, and lasts long in beauty. 



B. saltatorium. A curious dwarf Orchid from Africa, of 

 a greenish brown colour. Blooms at different times of the 

 year, and lasts some time in perfection. 



