lL 23] 
RABIETAS PRAISTANS 2207 
Pseudobulbis stipitatis fusiformibus costatis monophyllis ; foliis oblongis acutis ; floribus solitariis ; bracteis squamzeformibus abbreviatis ; sepalis 
oblongis acutis ; petalis multo latioribus ovato-oblongis obtuse acutis ; labello libero trilobo, circa columnam omnino convoluto carnoso, carinis 4—6 per 
discum ; columna crassa superne dilatata, auriculis posticis apicularibus sibi incumbentibus. H1. G. Rehb. f. 
L&LIA PRASTANS, Rchb. f. in Berl. Allg. Gartenzeit, 1857, p. 336; Lindl., Gard. Chron., 1859, p. 240; Flore des Serres, t. 1900 ; Bot. Mag,, t. 5498. 
CATTLEYA PUMILA MAJoR, C. Lem. in Illust. Hort., 1859, t. 193. 2 
BLETIA PRASTANS, Rchb.f. in Walp. Ann., VI, p. 425 ; id, Xenia Orch. IL, p. 43, t. 114. 
Our analytical representations show an expanded lip ; the column, front and side view ; pollinia, front and side view. 
Tuts Lelia is very appropriately named, being pre-eminent in beauty in its class and distinguished in shape, surpassing 
all other dwarf Leelias in the section to which it belongs. It has always been rare in collections from the fact that only 
few plants can be found in its native habitat, where it is confined to a few small woods in the province of Santa 
Catharina. After very diligent search, one of our collectors obtained about one hundred plants, most of which blossomed 
in our nurseries, making two growths the first year and flowering on each. It is a very variable species as regards 
colouring, a brilliant dark rose, however, predominating; in a few varieties the yellow colouring of the interior of the 
labellum was replaced by dark rosy crimson. It is an evergreen species, with fusiform pseudo-bulbs about six to nine 
inches in height, thick and rounded, bearing solitary thick leaves. The flowers are borne singly on the newly-developed 
growths. The sepals are lanceolate, the two lower ones more or less scimitar-shaped ; the petals broadly ovate, both 
brightly and deeply coloured rose ; labellum trumpet-shaped convolute ; front and side lobes rich purple, with a short, 
broad white line in centre, sometimes replaced by a small white blotch ; throat orange-yellow, suffusing the outer 
surface. 
A more beautiful gem than this it would be difficult to find in the whole of the princely order to which it belongs. 
Its culture is easy, the cool house being best suited to its requirements, excepting in the case of late autumn or winter 
growths, which are best developed in the cool end of the Cattleya house. It may be grown in pans or baskets, and 
potted in the usual Lzelia compost. The plants should at all times be kept clean and free of insect pests. 
Our plate was taken from a plant in the collection of Charles W. Lea, Esq., Parkfield, Hallow, Worcester. 
