The Guiana Orchids. 287 



16. Polycycnis. — Rather pretty plants, removed from 



the genus Houlettia. One species, having conical 



pseudo-bulbs, from the base of which rises an upright 



flower spike : — 



1. P, vittata ... Flowersyellow, striped with chocolate. 



1 7. Stenia. — Without pseudo-bulbs ; the leaves spread- 

 ing like a fan, and the single flowers rising from their 

 axils. One species, neither showy nor particularly 

 interesting : — 



1. S, pallida ... Flowers pale, almost colourless. 



18. Scuticaria. — Curious looking plants with cylin- 

 drical leaves hanging downward to a length of four or 

 five feet ; flowers on very short stems, large, handsome 

 and highly scented. One species — 



I, S. Steelii ... Flowers pale yellow, blotched with purple. 



19. Maxillaria. — A large genus of weedy-looking 

 plants with insignificant flowers, the lip of which resem- 

 bles a palate or lower jaw, from which its name is derived. 

 The flowers are usually borne singly, often hidden 

 among the leaves and rising from the base of pseudo- 

 bulbs which are generally small in proportion to the 

 size of the plant. Twenty-three species have been 

 recorded, these varying much in size and general 

 appearance, from two or three inches to as many feet in 

 height, in some cases creeping or trailing and in others 

 forming great masses : — 



1. M. alba ... Flowers white. 



2. M. cristata ... Flowers white, spotted with crimson, lip 



fringed, 



3. M. Parkeri ... Flowers white, spotted with purple, lip 



lilac. 



4. M. Henchemanni ... Flowers purple. 



5. M. chlorantha ... Flowers yellowish-green. 



6. M, foveata ... Flowers clustered, straw coloured. 



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