Trichopilia tortilis appears to have been introduced from Mexico about the 
year 1835, by Mr. Barker. It is a distinct evergreen species, the bulbs varying 
from two to four inches in length; these are bright shining green in colour, and 
bear a solitary leaf, some six inches long. The flowers are produced below the 
leaves, and form a floral band, surmounted with a crown of green leaves. The 
sepals and petals are narrow, and spirally twisted; they are of a lund _ brownish 
purple, irregularly bordered with yellowish white; the lip is broad and spreading, 
the exterior white, yellowish white or white within, thickly spotted with rose-colour, 
and blotched with yellow in the throat. The blossoms are produced both im 
spring and winter, but we have observed that the greatest numbers of flowers are 
produced in the months of May and June, and they last for a considerable length 
of time in full beauty. 
The name Trichopilia was suggested to Lindley for this genus from the peculiar 
hood or cap which surmounts the column, and which bears three peculiar tufts of 
hair, hence Lindley’s name of Trichopilia (hair-cap). They are all natives of Mexico, 
Central America, and the West Indian Islands, often at considerable elevations. 
Basket or pot culture suits these plants well, but if well clevated above the pot’s 
rim, they perhaps flower most abundantly in this manner. In potting, above all, 
provide good drainage, and for soil use good fibrous peat, through which may be 
worked some moderate-sized nodules of charcoal, which will allow the roots to 
penetrate it better, and at the same time assist in carrying away the water more 
quickly. The species here depicted is a free-growing plant, if given moderate 
attention. It requires a medium supply of water to its roots during the season 
of growth, but it enjoys an atmosphere well charged with moisture; and although 
the water supply to the roots must be considerably reduced through the winter 
months, it must never be entirely withheld, as the slightest amount of shrivelling 
is injurious. This plant should be grown at the cool end of the Cattleya-house, 
well exposed to the sun and light, but should have the sun screened from it 
during the hotter part of the day, in order to preserve the colour of its foliage, 
which forms such an admirable background for its blossoms. 
It is not very liable to the attacks of insects, but scale, and even thrips, 
will sometimes affect it, more especially if the plant is in a slightly bad state of 
health; but watchful care on the part of the cultivator will prevent these pests 
from gaining a lodgment. The plants may be increased, if necessary, by division; 
but it is far better to have one fine plant than several small ones. The division 
should be made just as the new growths appear, and several old bulbs should be 
left at the back of the leading growth. The divisions may be potted and treated 
in exactly the same manner as the established plants. : 
