ATJPOPnYLLUHr. 77 



ARPOPHYLLUM. 



Llav. et Lex. Nov. Veg. descript. Orch. p. 19(1825). Benth. et Hook dor.. Plant. III. 

 p. 492 (1883). 



Quite different as are the Arpopliylla in aspect from the Plenrothallids 

 and Masdevallias of tropical America on the one hand, and from 

 such humble herbs as Maloxis paludosa and Liparis LoeselU of 

 British fens on the other, they nevertheless form one of the con- 

 necting links in the chain of orchid affinities between the first 

 and last named genera. They occupy this position chiefly in virtue 

 of the structure of their flowers. 



Four or five species of Arpophyllum are at present recognised, 

 all natives of central America and Mexico, and of which one was 

 found not long ago in Jamaica. Two of the species are well known 

 in cultivation in British collections, and a third has been introduced 

 into continental gardens. They differ chiefly from the allied 

 genera in their large size and their long, dense, cylindrical, erect 

 floral racemes, in which the flowers are inverted and spirally arranged 

 round the axis. Their character will be sufficiently understood from 

 the description of the two species given below. 



The generic name Arpophyllum, from apTrn (harpe),* "a sword," 

 and <^i'AAoi' (phullon), ''a leaf/' refers to the form of the leaves. 

 Oulfural Note. — Although strictly epiphytal, the Arpophylla have a 

 semi-terre.s trial habit that render.'! them suitable for pot culture. The 

 pots should be filled to fully two-thirds of tlieir deptli with clean 

 broken crocks for drainage, over which should be placed a layer of 

 sphagnum ; the remainder and to at least an inch above the rim should 

 be filled with a compost of fibrous peat and chopped sphagnum in equal 

 proportions well mixed together. The plants should be placed in the 

 centre, and held fast by a stick or any other siiitable contrivance 

 till firmly established. The general treatment of Arpophylla is in 

 all other respects that of the Cattleyas, with which for cultural 

 purposes they may be associated. They should, however, be j^laced 

 in the lightest position, as they require but little or no shade except 

 on bright hot days. 



Arpophyllum giganteuni. 



A robust plant. Ehizome creeping, ligneous, as thick as the little 

 finger. Stems terete, compressed, 6—10 inches high, jointed, with an 

 appressed sheath at each joint nearly as long as the internode, 



* Hence Harpophylhim would be more correct orthography. 



