AXGR^CDM. 



119 



ANGR^CUM. 



Thouars, Fl. des lies. Afr. tab. 48 (1822). Beuth. et Hook. Geu. Plant. III. p. 583 

 (1883). 



The most noticeable character presented by Angra3cum on a 

 superficial inspection of the cultivated species^ is unquestionably the 

 long tail-like spur dependent from the base of the labellum. This 

 curious appendage is that by which the Augrtecums are most readily 

 recognised by horticulturists, but remarkable as it is, it is also 

 present in other orchids allied to them, as Cryptopus^ Mystacidium, etc., 

 and is not thence of itself sufficient for the limitation of the genus ; 

 other characters must be joined with it to admit of Angrrecum 

 being defined in such a way that the included species may form a 

 natural group; these additional characters are found in the labellum 

 and column, and may be thus technically described. 



The labellum is affixed to the base of the column, the lateral lobes 

 are very small or obsolete, and the blade is spreading and usually 

 entire. 



The colujnn is very short and wingless ; the caudicle of the pollinia 



is flat, single, or double ; the rostellum is entire or deeply cleft (two- 



lobed). 



The caudicle of the pollinia and its gland combined with the 



form of labellum afford excellent characters for a sectional division 



of the genus, and upon them Mr. Bentham has established the 



three following : — * 



I. — IVIacroura. Lamina of the labellum flat, often broad ; the pollen 

 masses each with a distinct caudicle and gland. 



This includes Leonis, sesquipedale, and a few others not in cultivation. 



II, — LisTROSTACHYS. Lamina of the labellum usually continuous v/ith 



the spur, more or less concave at the base and tapering into a point ; 



the pollen masses attached to distinct caudicles, the glands either 



distinct or more or less united. 



The species of this section best known in cultivation arc arcaafimi, 

 caudatavi, Chailluanum, pellucklum, 2^6rtusu)ii. 



III. — EuANGR^ECUM. Lamina of the labellum flat, the caudicle of the 

 pollen masses narrow, single, and entire. 



This section includes articulatum, hiJohum, rifratiun, eharneum, Elh'sii, 

 falcatum, fastuosum, modestum, and many others. 



Although of considerable interest from a liotanical point of view, the 

 above sectional divisions have no practical bearing on the cultural treat- 

 ment of the species included in them. 



* Geii. Plant III. p. 583. 



