[97 ] 
CYPRIPEDIUM (HYBRIDUM) CASTLEANUM og. 
A hybrid raised from Cypripedium hirsutissimum, Rchb. f, crossed with the pollen of C. superbiens, Rchb. f., and quite intermediate in character. The 
leaves are light glaucous-green with darker reticulated veins, 6 to 8 inches long by 1% inches broad. Dorsal sepal ovate, obtuse, 13 inches long by 1¥% inches 
broad, light maroon-purple, with darker nerves, a white margin, and a few minute black dots at base. Petals widely spreading, 2¥% inches long, linear-oblong, 
ciliate, light green at base, passing into maroon-purple towards apex, with numerous dark brown spots on basal half, Lip a little compressed at sides, nearly 2 
inches long, dull maroon-purple in front, paler behind, the infolded side lobes with numerous small maroon spots. Staminode with broad rounded base and 
three blunt, short teeth at apex, palest green with slightly darker reticulated nerves, purplish on basal half. 
CypRIPEDIUM (hybridum) CASTLEANUM, Rolfe, Gard. Chron,, Dec. 13, 1890, p. 702 ; id., Jan. 10, 1891, p. 39; Castle in Journ. of Hort., 1890, pt. 2, p. 
513; id., 1891, pt. 1, p. 101, fig. 19. Pee 
This beautiful hybrid was raised by Mr. Maynard, in the collection of Messrs, F, Sander & Co., of St. Albans, where it flowered for the first time in 
December, 1890. It bears some resemblance to C. Fraseri and C. porphyroglossa, though more brightly coloured, and there is a peculiarly soft and pleasing 
bluish-purple tint over parts of the flower which is quite unique. The dorsal sepal, though quite intermediate in shape, is much darker in colour than would 
have been expected from the parentage. The petals are much flatter than in the mother plant, which they otherwise somewhat resemble, but the spots do not 
extend to the apex as in C. superbiens. The lip and staminode also closely resemble the last-named species. It is a decided horticultural acquisition, and is 
dedicated to Mr. Lewis Castle, of the Journal of Horticulture. R.A. Rolfe. 
Our analytical drawings represent the lip and staminode, the latter seen both from the front and side. 
Hysrip Cypripediums have as rapidly advanced in popularity as their numbers and range of variation have been increased, 
for there seems to be no limit to the combinations of form and colouring that can be effected in this genus by the skill of 
the hybridist. Few orchids respond so readily and so accurately to the intentions or desires of the operator, and in the 
majority of cases it is comparatively easy to foretell what will be the result of any particular experiment in crossing. In 
many instances the seedlings raised from one cross show a distinctly intermediate character as regards the two parents, 
but yet exhibit considerable variation amongst themselves either in depth and richness of colour, or in the prominence of 
the markings. It is seldom that one seedling only reaches the flowering period, and this alone would render Cypripedium 
Castleanum especially interesting, as the plant which produced flowers in December, 1890, was the unique result of a 
cross between C. hirsutissimum and C. superbiens. As am addition to the list of cultivated Cypripediums this hybrid 
will, however, be chiefly valued for its remarkable colouring, which is rendered very distinct by the blue-purple suffusion 
characterising the whole flower. Seen under a bright light, this at once excites astonishment amongst those who know 
how rarely blue enters largely into the composition of the prevailing coloration. It seems at first glance that the 
possibility of obtaining a blue Cypripedium is very remote, but in some families of plants blue-flowered forms have been 
secured from less promising parents than C. Castleanum and one or two others. The hybrid here figured must, however, 
be regarded as a decided advance in the direction indicated, and this, in combination with its neat form, will always 
entitle it to a prominent position amongst the rarer hybrids. 
Our plate was taken from a plant in the collection of R. H. Measures, Esq., The Woodlands, Streatham, London, 
