TRICHOCENTRUM ORTHOPLECTRON. 
[PuaTeE 272.] 
Native of Brazil. 
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs minute, bearing a single leaf. Leaves ovate-lanceolate 
to oblong, carinate, channelled in front, three to six inches in length, and from 
one inch to an inch and a half in breadth, coriaceous in texture, and deep green 
in colour. Pedwncles springing from the base of the minute pseudobulbs when growth 
is mature, one to two-flowered ; sepals and petals spreading, nearly equal, the former 
acute and the latter cuneate, light cinnamon-brown with lighter apices, where they 
are covered with minute chestnut-brown dots; lip flat and spreading; nearly square, 
lobed in front, rich crimson-lake, paler at the margin, with a more intense- 
coloured blotch at each side of the yellow disc, and bearing four indistinct lines 
on the dise. Column white, with two large projecting teeth. 
_TricHocentrum ORTHOPLECTRON, chb. fil., Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., XIX. Pp. 
962; Williams, Orchid-Grower’s Manual, 6 ed., p. 588. 
This species of Trichocentrum is quite an acquisition to the small-growing 
section of Orchids, and as it can be grown in a small compass it 1s peculiarly 
suitable for those who have but little space to allot to this favourite class 
of plants. It is a chaste and distinct Orchid, and has a nice appearance as seen 
hanging from the roof, which is the correct place to see its flowers to the best 
advantage ; it is also very free flowering, and when grown in good masses is very 
effective. Our artist’s drawing was taken in the celebrated collection of W. Lee, 
Esq., Downside, Leatherhead, and is from the same plant that gained such | a 
admiration when exhibited at a recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. 
Lrichocentrum orthoplectron is a beautiful dwarf evergreen epiphytal plant, with 
light green foliage, and forms a pretty contrast with its large and showy flowers, which 
are borne upon a pendulous spike some two or more inches in length, and proceeding 
ftom the base of the minute. pseudobulbs. The sepals and petals are of a light 
‘chestnut or cinnamon-brown, faintly tipped with yellow; the lip is large, with . 
“mson-purple blotch on either side of the base, softening off towards the margin; 
the crest or keels at the base are nearly obsolete and deep yellow. This plant bloomed 
in the month of October under the care of Mr. Woolford, Mr. Lee's gardener, but 
We believe its flowers will be produced at various times of the year, according to 
~ completion of its growth; the: flowers last several weeks in beauty. We 
ond this Species succeed best when placed either in small baskets or P aie 
- _ “ few broken potsherds at the bottom to ensure good drainage, and live 
— Sphagnum moss for its roots to ramble amongst; it requires but smé ob bee 
