6 SPATHOQLOTTIS. 



SPATHOGLOTTIS. 



Blume Bijdr. p. 400 (1825). Benth. et Hook. Gen. Plant. III. p. 511 (1883). 

 Closely allied to the two preceding genera, and separated from tliem 

 chiefly on account of the column not being produced at the base, is 

 Spathoglottis, including about ten species inhabiting southern China, 

 India^ the Malay Archipelago, and some of the islands of the Pacific 

 Ocean. They are terrestrial orchids, with mono-diphyllous pseudo- 

 bulbs, elongated prominently veined leaves, and racemose scapes borne 

 on the rhizome distinct from the pseudo-bulbs. Several of the species 

 have been in cultivation during the past half century, but like other 

 tropical terrestrial orchids, most of them have failed to find favour with 

 amateurs, with the exception of Spathoglottis aurea and the recently 

 introduced 8. Vieillardi. The other three species described in the 

 following pages are still occasionally met with in collections. 



The generic name Spathoglottis is derived fi'om aTraOi] (spathe), 

 "a spathe," originally the name given to the large bract enclosing 

 the inflorescence of the Palm; and yXtocraa (glossa or glotta), ''the 

 tongue," in orchidology the labellum or lip. 



Cultural Note. — The native localities of the species indicate the approxi- 

 mate temperature in Avhich they shoiild be cultivated ; thus, Spathoglottis 

 aurea and S. Lohbit, occurring Avithin the equatorial zone, should be grown in 

 the East India house. S. ViciUardi and S. Petri, although both tropical 

 species, grow Avild on mountains at a considerable elevation, whence a some- 

 what lower or intermediate temperature is sufficient for them ; S. Fortunei, 

 from Hongkong, may also be associated with them. On account of the 

 terrestrial habit of the Spathoglots, it is usual, as in the case of the 

 Pleioiies, to mix a small quantity of leaf-mould or loam and a little silver 

 sand Avitli the comjDOst of peat and chopped sphagnum in which they are 

 potted, a drainage of clean crocks being alloAved in proportion to the depth 

 of the pots or pans used. The watering must be regulated according to 

 the season, freely given Avhen the plants are in active growth, diminished 

 and even withheld for a time when at rest during the winter season. 



Spathoglottis aurea. 



Leaves plaited, ligulate-lanceolate, acuminate, 30 — 40 inches long. 

 Scapes erect, as long as or longer than the leaves, purplish below, 

 green along the rachis, many-flowered. Bracts numerous, spathulate, 

 concave. Flowers 3 inches in diameter ; sepals elliptic-oblong obtuse, 

 bright canary-yellow, keeled and streaked with dull orange-red behind ; 

 petals generally larger than the sepals, obovate-oblong, but sometimes 



