106 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [APRIL, 1923. 
Returning to species, we see in the plant known in gardens as Seleni- 
;jpedium caricinum that the two lateral petals are extended in ribbon- 
like style. The same thing occurs in S. caudatum 
to an even greater degree, a length of eighteen to 
twenty-four inches being byno means uncommon; 
an example is figured in the Orchid World, vol: 
ili., p. 182. But however much the petals of 
the above species exceed in length the average 
dimensions, there are examples to be found in 
which great width exists, among them being 
Cypripedium niveum and C. bellatulum. 
In the majority of Oncidiums the petals 
are comparatively insignificant, the expansive 
labellum being the most attractive segment. 
Vanda ccerulea affords an example in which the 
petals are twisted at their base, the back area 
being thus brought into view. In Oncidium 
Krameri and O. Papilio the two petals closely 
resemble 
the dorsal 
sepal, the 
~ 
lateral se- 
pals in each 
case being 
very much 
| broader and 
coloured 
like the 
labellum. 
In Renan- 
thera coccinea the dorsal sepal and the 
two petals have a close resemblance, 
the lowest sepals being broader and 
differently coloured. While the petals 
of some species are often reflexed, 
those of Odontoglossum Harryanum 
project forward towards the column, 
SELENIPEDIUM CARICINUM, 
With ribbon-like petals. 
i 
i 
. . CYPRIPEDIUM NIVEUM, 
so that it is generally necessary to 
hold them back before obtaining a full view of the flower. In 
primary hybrids of O. Harryanum this peculiarity is inherited in an 
undesired manner. 
(To be continued.) 
