25 
on 
PL. DXXXIX. 
CATTLEYA x MATHONIAE tL. tinp. 
MADAME MATHON-MOTTE’S CATTLEYA. 
CATTLEYA. Vide Lindenia, I, p. 15. 
Cattleya Mathoniae L. Linp., infra. 
= Po his splendid plant appeared at Moortebeek, in the hot-houses of 
4 4) Messrs Lucien Linven and C?, amongst some importations of Cattleya 
Mossiae. 
It is again one of those Orchids in presence of which we cannot help 
invoking the mysteries of natural hybridization. The flowers are so distinct, 
that it is impossible to consider it as only a simple variety ; the throat of the lip 
is convoluted and crimped into longitudinal wrinkles, of most curious aspect, 
somewhat resembling Cattleya Harrisoniae, to such an extent, that several 
amateurs who have had the opportunity of examining the plant in our houses, 
considered it as a natural hybrid between this species and C. Mossiae. However 
we can hardly admit this hypothesis, on account of the enormous distance which 
separates the habitats of the presumed parents. 
Only one species might very likely have produced C. Mathoniae, by its inter- 
crossing in a state of nature with C. Mossiae, that is C. Luddemanniana ; this 
view is possible, if we take into consideration the coloration of the flowers 
figured in the annexed plate : the sepals and petals are pale rose, as well as 
the lateral lobes of the lip; the front lobe is coloured on both sides of the 
throat with pale yellow striped with red, and the front margin is white faintly 
tinged with very pale rose. All these characters agree pretty well with what we 
should imagine a mingling of the colours of C. Mossiae and C. Luddemanniana 
would produce. 
Whatever may be the origin of the plant we are speaking of, it must be 
considered as a most remarkable acquisition, on account of the fulness of 
the flowers, the width and fine habit of the petals, the curious, elegant form 
of the lip, and superb coloration of all these organs. 
We are happy to dedicate this lovely novelty as a homage to Madame 
Matuon-Morte, of Roubaix, wife of the distinguished amateur whose choice 
collection of Orchids may be mentioned as being one of the finest in the 
th of France. 
poe er 
2.0 
oc 
