ONCIDIUM TIGRINUM tae ef Ler. 
ONCIDIUM TIGRINUM, pseudobulbis ovatis ancipitibus 2—3 phyllis, foliis lanceolatis subcoriaceis, basi conduplicatis, scapo tereto simplici vel ramoso, 
3—5 pedalis, multifloris ; bracteis membranaceis, pedicellis gracilibus 1%4—2 poll. Flores odore viol suavissimo, magni, pulcherrimi, pellem tigrinum 
referentes, Sepalis petalisque lanceolato-ovatis marginibus revolutis subtus carinatis, maculis tigrinis castaneo-purpureis tota superficie variegata ; labello 
maximo basi auriculato ungue convexo margine revoluto obscure denticulato, limbo amplissimo carnoso reniformi bilobove undulato, columnz alis sub- 
rotundis, acuminatis demum stigma claudentibus. 
ONCIDIUM TIGRINUM, Llave et Lex. Orch. Mex.,, p. 36; Lindl, Gen. & Sp. Orch., P. 203; id, Fol. Orch, n. 157; Revue Horticole, 1889, p. 176; 
Warner & Williams’ Orch, Alb. IIL, t. 137; Williams’ Orch, Man,, 6 ed., Pp. 503. 2 
ODONTOGLOSSUM TIGRINUM, Lindl.: Folia Orch., No. ro. 
ONcIDIUM BarKERI, Lindl. Bot. Reg, 1841, misc. n, 174; id. t. 1651; Sertum Orch, t. 48; Paxt. Mag. Bot. XIV., p. 97 (cum icon.) ; Lemaire 
Illust. Hort., 1854, t. 2. 
Icones analytic, Sepala et petala, Labellum. Columna et labellum a latere. Columna antice et pollinaria aucta. 
ALtuoucH known to science and cultivation for almost half a century, it is only of late years that this very distinct and 
handsome Oncidium has found its way into almost every Orchid collection. The fact that it is now more plentiful has 
not in any way lessened the favour in which it had previously been held. On the contrary, it seems to have increased its 
popularity, for it is now recognised more than ever as a very valuable Orchid. It produces its large, branching racemes 
of bright yellow and tigery-blotched flowers at the dullest season of the year when they are much needed—that is, from 
the latter end of autumn until New Year's Day. 
O. tigrinum is a native of the western Cordilleras of Mexico, where it is much used for decorative purposes under 
the name of “ Flor de Muertos,” or “ Flower of the Dead.” Dr. Lindley, in his Folia Orchidacea, says it comes from 
“the Irapzean mountains near Valladolid and Paracho.” ‘This induced us to send one of our collectors some years ago to 
these districts, with the result that we lost a vast deal of money and time, no plants being found to compensate us for 
outlay and trouble. The chief characteristics of O. tigrinum are its ovoid, much-compressed pseudo-bulbs, which, when 
young, have usually two, some times three, deep green, lanceolate, leathery leaves at the summit, but when old are 
leafless, and of a mellow, coppery brown colour. The flower spikes spring from the base of the current year’s pseudo- 
bulbs, and often reach a length of three to five feet, bearing from twenty to fifty fragrant flowers. The number, however, 
often exceeds this, as over sixty flowers borne on one spike have been noted. The sepals and petals are greenish yellow, 
transversely blotched with rich chestnut brown, which give them the tigery appearance alluded to in the specific name. 
The large, bright yellow lip has a long, narrow shank, at the base of which are two auricles of the same colour, while 
the short, thick column, with its large wings, is also bright yellow. 
It is advisable to cultivate plants of O. tigrinum in baskets, using a compost of fibrous peat with a little chopped 
sphagnum. The growing season begins in spring and finishes in autumn. During this period plenty of water may be 
given, gradually diminishing the quantity as the pseudo-bulbs are nearing maturity. Plenty of light, without permitting 
the sun to scorch them, and good ventilation are at the same time necessary to ripen the growths, otherwise it is 
impossible to expect good, strong spikes of large flowers at the end of the growing season. In spring and summer the 
temperature may range from 65 to 75 deg. F., and about 10 deg. lower during the winter months, when the plants should 
be kept in a dry atmosphere, receiving only occasional waterings to keep them in a plump condition. 
Our plate was taken from a plant in the collection of H. M. Pollett, Esq., Fernside, Bickley, Kent. 
