MASDEVALLIA. 



39 



of the rocks. Its geographical range appears to be very restricted, 

 extending" but a few miles alonsr the flanks of tlie mountain within 

 the vertical limits stated above, but where, however, plants were 

 seen in all stages of growth, from the smallest seedlings to masses 

 of considerable size. Like most of the species with brilliant-coloured 

 flowers (sub-section Coccinece), Masdevallia Davisii varies in the size 

 of its flowers, and in the shade of their colouring which ranges 

 from rich orange-yellow to light primrose. 



Masdevallia Davisii. 



M. demissa. 



Leaves very leathery, spathulate-cuneate, 6 inches long, tridentate at 

 apex, narrowed below into a channelled petiole. Scapes shorter than 

 the leaves, with a lax, membraneous bract below the short, bent ovary. 

 Perianth tube half an inch long, funnel-shaped, yellow with three red- 

 brown lines above, deej) red-brown below; free portion of upper 

 sepal yellow, triangular at the base, prolonged at apex into a slender 



