1-50 mAxillariA. 



MAXILLARIA. 



Kuiz et Piivou, Fl. Peruv. Prod. p. 116, t. 25 (1794). Lindl. P.ot. Reg. 1843, misc. p. 10. 

 Benth. et Hook. Gen. Plant. III. p. 553. 



The i^enas Masillaria was founded by the Spauisli botanists Euiz 

 and Pa von on a group of epiphytal orchids^ which they discoveied 

 on the Andes of Peru during their mission to that country, 1777 — 88. 

 Owing to the terse but imperfect manner in which the genus was 

 defined by these authors it became afterwards, as Mr. Bentham 

 remarked, ''^a kind of receptacle for a great variety of American 

 Vande.e,'' until the confusion became so great that Dr. Lindley 

 undertook a revision of the genus, the results of which he published 

 in the Botanical Register of 1843. Out of the aggregation of species 

 that had been brought under Maxillaria up to that time he formed 

 a number of new genera as Lycaste, Paphinia, Colax, Warrea, 

 Scuticaria, etc., retaining under Maxillaria those species that conform 

 to the characters described below. Thus restricted, Maxillaria is still 

 an extensive genus, including, perhaps, over a hundred species, but 

 forming a very natural group. 



The lateral sepals are adnate to the foot of the column, forming 

 with it a more or less prominent mentum or chin. The dorsal sepal 

 is similar, and usually at a right angle to the lateral two.* 



The petals are similar, but smaller and parallel with the column. 

 The lip is attached to the foot of the column by a very short claw, 

 it is turned towards the column, tliree-lobed, concave, and with an 

 oblong plate between the side lobes. 



The column is wingless, often slightly curved, semi-terete, concave 

 below the stigma. 



The polllnia are four in two pairs, compressed, and almost sessile on 



a crescent-shaped gland. 



It will be observed that some of these floral characters, especially 



the attachment of the lateral sepals and lip to the foot of the 



column, are found in allied genera, but from these the true Maxillarias 



can always be distinguished by their vegetative organs. 



The pseudo-Imlhs are more or less flattened, with one or more 

 sheathing, acuminate brown spathes on each of the ancipitous sides. 



The leaves are variable in size and shape but always persistent, 

 leathery in texture and usually dark green. 



This arrangement of the sepals, especially when the lateral two take a horizontal position, 

 which they almost always do, gives the ilowers a one-sided aspect. 



