DENDROBIUM KINGIANUM ALBUM. 



[Plate 332.] 



JSCative of Australia. 



Epiphj^tal. Pseudobulhs clustered, erect, somewhat oblong, tapering upwards into 

 a long neck, and bearing upon their summit two or three leaves, which are oblong, 

 leathery in texture, and deep green. Scape terminal, from between the leaves, 

 erect, and furnished with numerous lanceolate acute sheathing bracts. Raceme 

 nodding, about a foot long, and many-flowered. Sepals broader than the petals, the 

 lateral ones sub-falcate and connate at the base, all pure white; lip three-lobed, 

 lateral lobes erect, anterior lobe cordate, downy at the base, and bearing three 

 raised lines on the disc, white, freckled, with a few reddish-brown lines and dots. 



Dexdrobium Kingiaxum, Bid will, Faxion's Magazine, xii., p. 97; Botanical 

 Register, xxxi., t. 61; Lemaires Jardin Flcuriste, t. 143; Hooher's Botanical 

 Magazine, t. 4,527. 



Dexdkobium Kingianum album, supra. 



Dendrohium Kingiammi was named by Biclwill, in lionoiir of Captain King, 

 one of tlie early explorers of the Australian coast. It is an old inhabitant of our 



stoA^es^ having ^ been introduced to cultivation some forty-five years ago. The 

 is distinct in growth from any other species of the genus which has come under 

 our notice, and it produces violet-purple flowers on short racemes, but at the present 

 time is seldom to be found outside of Botanic Gardens. The variety we here 

 introduce to our readers, and to which we have given the varietal name of album, is 

 both distinct and handsome, its white flowers, which are produced on long racemes, 

 render it very beautiful and attractive, and aff'ord a striking contrast with the 

 violet-purple blooms of the species. It is astonishing to find so many white- 

 flowered forms of Orchids being discovered now that white flowers are so much 

 prized, and still more curious, that in most instances the coloured forms are 

 the first to be introduced. For the opportunity of figuring this rare plant we are 

 indebted to A. H. Smee, Esq., The Grange, Carshalton, • in whose well-known 

 collection it bloomed in the early part of the present year. There are many 



1 



interesting Orchids to be found in Mr. Smee's garden, and various experiments in 

 cultivation are tried from time to time, which sometimes end in good results. 



Dendrohium Kingianum album is a compact-growing evergreen plant, with bulbs 

 about six inches high, bearing light green foliage ; the racemes of flowers proceed 

 from the summit of the bulb, and are about a foot in length, the blossoms being 



w 



pure white and very charming. It flowers during the months of February and 

 IMarch, and continues in beauty for a considerable time. 



