401 



stem, as it were, through a slit in the cortex. Their 

 white colour is due to a very porous outer layer 

 which will absorb water, just as blotting paper does, 



polli ma,. 



gmo. 



/ f column. 



FIG. 87. An Orchid of the VANDA group 

 The labellum has been removed from the open flower 



because of its porosity, and which when wetted allows 

 the green colour beneath to appear through (see p. 

 129). The inflorescence is a loose raceme arising 

 from the axil of a leaf. The flower appears to have 

 26 



