[ 27 ] 
DENDROBIUM (HYBRIDUM) MELANODISCUS Reis. ¢ 
Icones analyticae. Flos cum labello separato et expanso. Columna antice et a latere visa. Pollinia. 
A uysriD raised in the collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., from D. Findlayanum and D. (hyb.) Ainsworthii, 
the latter being the pollen plant. The last-named parent is itself a hybrid between D. nobile and D. heterocarpum. 
D. melanodiscus is, therefore, the result of a species being crossed with a hybrid derived from two other species, and 
may be said to have the blood of three species, namely, D. Findlayanum, D. nobile, and D. heterocarpum, in it. It is, 
therefore, what may be termed a secondary hybrid. It has yellowish, swollen, and constricted pseudo-bulbs, which seem 
to be intermediate between those of D. Findlayanum and D. Ainsworthii. The flowers, each of which is about two 
and a half inches across, are usually borne in fascicles of twos. The oblong obtuse sepals are whitish, with rose-purple 
at the tips and sides. The petals are much broader, white, with rose-purple tips and slightly wavy margins. The sub- 
orbicular lip is creamy white, with a large, dark red blotch, surrounded by a conspicuous yellow zone on the pubescent 
disc, while there is a small, pale rose-purple stain on the front edge. The column is greenish-white, with a dark 
reddish-purple anther. 
DENDROBIUM (hyb.) MELANopIscus, Rehb. f., in Gard. Chron., March 26, 1887, p. 414! Rolfe, in Gard. Chron., 
March 9, 1889, p. 297! 
On a preceding page (p. 21) we have an interesting example of a reversed hybrid, in Cypripedium Lathamianum 
variety, and we may now mention an equally interesting phase of the same phenomenon with regard to the present plant. 
The parents of the present hybrid were also crossed the reverse way in Sir Trevor Lawrence’s collection; that is to say, 
the hybrid D. Ainsworthii was made the seed bearer, while D. Findlayanum became the pollen parent. The resulting 
hybrid was named by Prof. Reichenbach, Dendrobium (hyb.) chrysodiscus (Gard. Chron., March 26, 1887, p- 414), but 
singularly enough it bears so little resemblance to D. melanodiscus that no one without evidence of the fact would 
suspect both were derived from the same two parents. In each case the characters of the pollen parent predominate 
largely in the offspring; so that D. melanodiscus bears a strong resemblance to D. Ainsworthii, while D. chryso- 
discus, on the other hand, more nearly approaches D. Findlayanum. Another curious character is that of four plants, 
all from the same seed-pod, no two are alike. Secondary hybrids are notoriously variable, and in this case we have a 
very good example of this curious and interesting. fact. R. A. Rolfe. 
This brilliant production of Sir Trevor Lawrence will, we anticipate, become a great favourite with lovers of this 
magnificent genus, most of which are easily grown, very showy, and floriferous. Probably in the next ten years hybrids 
between species and varieties of Dendrobes will be nearly as numerous as those of the now popular Cypripedium. 
Too much encouragement cannot be given to this fascinating occupation, the results of which confer so much pleasure 
and also profit, although, as Reichenbach truly said, “ There are hybrids of very sordid colour ;” still the majority of 
them are beautiful, and all are interesting. The method of culture pursued with the warm house Dendrobes will be 
found to suit the subject of our plate, and even a little extra care and attention from the luck 
y possessor of a good plant 
of this fine hybrid will be amply rewarded. 
Our plate was taken from a plant in the collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., M.P., Burford Lodge, Dorking. 
