PHAL^NOPSIS. 



Blume Bijrlr. p. 294 (1825). Id. Rumphia IV. p. 52, t. 199 (1848). Benth. et. Hook. 

 Gen. Plant. III. p. 573 (1883). 



The sub-tribe of which we are now treating is exceptionally rich 

 in species that are in high favour with orchid amateurs, and among 

 them several of the Phalaenopses unquestionably occupy the foremost 

 rank. This is owing, not only to the surpassing beauty and attrac- 

 tiveness of their flowers, especially of those species included in 

 Bentham's section, EuPHAL.EyoPSis, but also to their peculiar form, by 

 which they may be distinguished at a glance from all other cultivated 

 orchids. These species and the hybrids derived from them also 

 produce their flowers iii great profusion, and continue long in bloom 

 at a season when exotic flowers are much appreciated. Besides 

 these well-known favourites, there are now brought under Phaleenopsis 

 a goodly number of " forms ^^ whose flowers are of different aspect and 

 texture, but which conform to the essential characters of the genus 

 as at present circumscribed. These with the first mentioned group 

 form a series which connect the genus with Arachnanthe on the 

 one hand, and with Doritis on the other, a small genus including 

 about five species, and to which is now referred Phahenopsis Wiqhtii 

 (Rchb.) In the chain of affinities presented by this series, occasional 

 interruptions occur that may be bridged over by future discoveries, 

 but which serve at present to limit sectional divisions. Moreover 

 the genus has been enlarged by the introduction of several un- 

 doubted natural hybrids, and by others obtained artificially in the 

 glass houses of Europe. In its horticultural aspect Phaleenopsis 

 therefore presents a very varied and interesting group of species 

 and hybrids, not less remarkable for the range of colour than for 

 the variety in form and texture observable in the flowers. 



The following diagnosis includes all the most important floral 

 characteristics of Phalaenopsis. 



The sepals are free and spreading 



The petals are similar, or much hroader atid then contracted at the 



base, rarely narrower. 



The labellnm is attached to the a[)ex of the short foot of the column 



or continuous with it ; it is spurless, spreading, or at a small an^le with 



the column.* 



* Throucrhout the genus the labellum is of very complex structure, exceedingly difficult 

 to describe in words. 



