MASDEVALLIA XANTHINA. 
The numerous names of localities mentioned below by Consul Lehmann, most of 
them not being marked in any map yet published, will probably convey but little 
information to any person unacquainted with the district. It is hoped, however, that 
with his assistance all these names will be indicated in the map intended for publication 
with the final chapters of the present work. : 
Masdevallia xanthina is found in the States of Colombia and Ecuador, in very numerous localities. 
It grows near the ground upon the trunks of oaks and other trees, in dense and very damp woods, at an 
elevation of 1,800 to 2,500 métres (5,850 to 8,125 feet), flowering in October and November. Of all known 
species of Masdevallia, M. xanthina has the most extensive geographical distribution. The following are 
the principal localities in which I have observed it : 
In the Province of Antioquia, Colombia :—In park-like woods near Oliconia and Amaga ; on the Rio 
Chico and the Rio Grande, and on the Highlands of San Pedro and Santa Rosa ; around La Palma and on 
the Alto de San Miguel near Medellin, and on oak trees in great abundance about the Roblarcito near 
Sonson. 
In the Province of Cauca, Colombia :—About La Ceja near Inzt, and in the vicinity of the Rio 
Coquiyé and Lame on the western declivities of the Central Cordillera of Popaydn; near Poblazén, 
Paisbamba, and on the western slopes of the volcano of Sotaré ; in the vicinity of Pansitoré and Almaguer, 
and from hence in an uninterrupted line along the Pisatumha, Zayo, Achupaya, Mamendoi, La Cruz, and 
Aponte, as far as the Paramo de Cebollas near Pasto. 
In Ecuador :—On the south-western slopes of the Péramo de Mojanda, Province of Quito, and at 
Chiguinda on the eastern slopes of the Eastern Andes of Cuenca. 
Still further south, on the eastern Andes of Loja, I observed a few years ago some plants which 
probably belonged to this species, but as I found no flowers, it must remain an open question whether 
M. wanthina extends as far south. 
It is generally a very abundant species, and especially so in the district between Popayan and Pasto, 
but the plants rarely attain large proportions. Shade and constant dampness are essential tothe growth 
of M. xanthina, and the entire area of its distribution is remarkable for these characteristics. The num- 
ber of days without rainfall is very small throughout the year. The annual average temperature of the 
region ranges between 14° and 18° Centigrade (about 57° to 64° Fahrenheit). 
The extensive geographical distribution of M. wanthina causes considerable variation in the size and 
colour of the flowers, but this variation is not sufficient to justify the opinion that M. Estrad@ is only a 
variety of this species, although in some places in Antioquia the two plants are to be found growing 
together. The only form of M. xanthina known in cultivation comes from Antioquia, where the flowers 
are smallest, and generally of a bright apricot yellow colour. Further south, in the province of Cauca, 
they become larger, and paler in colour. In plants growing on the volcano of Sotara and at Paisbamba 
near Popayin, the flowers are nearly pure white, and have not the purple spot at the base of the lateral 
sepals, which is a constant feature in the flowers from all other localities. The Quito variety is the most 
floriferous, and the flowers rise freely above the large, densely tufted masses of leaves. “The largest- 
flowered variety grows on the Eastern Andes of Cuenca, but the flowers are dull yellowish-white, and 
sometimes speckled with very minute brownish dots. 
