PHALiENOPSIS ESMERALDA 



[Plate 321.] 



Kative of Cochin China. 



A stove Epiphyte, with oblong-ligulate and acute leaves, these are distichous, 

 spreading, and sheathing at the base, slightly carinate beneath, about eight inches 

 in length, some two inches in breadth, and deep green. Scape lateral, erect, 

 about a foot high, bearing a raceme of from ten to twenty flowers, the individual 

 blooms being an inch or more in diameter; sepals and petals oblong-obtuse, nearly 

 equal, the lateral sepals slightly the broader, all of a brilliant amethyst colour ; 

 lip three-lobed, lateral lobes oblong- divaricate, erect, middle lobe linguiform, ol»tuse 

 and decurved, same colour as the petals. Cohtmn stout, somewhat clavate. 



Phal^nopsis Esmeealda, Reichenhach fil., Garderiers' Chronicle, 1874, n.s., ii., 

 p. 582 ; Floral Magazine, 2 series, t. 358 ; Williams', Orchid-Grower's Manual, 

 6 ed., p. 529. 



This distinct species of Phalasnopsis is a native of Cochin China, and its flowers 

 though small are of a brilliant colour, which will be readily acknowledged by a 

 glance at our drawing, its blooms are much richer in colour, and thoroughly distinct 

 from all other species of PhalsenoiDsis that we have seen. It varies much from such 

 large-flowered kinds as P. amahilis, P. grandiflora, P. Schilleriana, and many others. 

 The species here portrayed has an erect spike, which bears a raceme of many 

 flowers, and although these are small in size compared with those kinds we have 

 previously named, this species well deserves a place amongst them for its distinctive 

 character. It will also be a grand subject for hybridisers to cross with the larger- 

 flowering kinds, in order to produce the colour in their sepals and petals, to 

 obtain which would be a great acquisition for Orchid cultivators generally, and 

 especially for those who grow Phalsenopsids extensively. - In our opinion, when well 

 grown, there are no Orchids to excel Phalsenopsids, and although there have been 

 many new species and varieties introduced within the last few years, none have yet 

 surpassed the three kinds enumerated above, with their graceful spikes and large 

 flowers. Some of the newly introduced forms are a great acquisition, as may be 

 seen by reference to the fifth volume of the present work ; where on plate 209 

 will be found a portrait of P. Sander iana ; plate 229, P. Casta; and plate 237, 

 P. Stuartiana ; and several other species with smaller flowers in other volumes. 

 Our plate was taken from a well-grown specimen in the fine collection of E. 

 J. Measures, Esq., Cambridge Lodge, Flodden Eoad, Camberwell, where there is a 

 fine collection of Phalsenopsids, a house being set apart for their cultivation; they 

 are under the care of Mr. Simpkins, the gardener. 



K 



■■. 



