June, 1923.] THE ORCHID REVIEW. 175 
NOTES ON THE SEGMENTS OF ORCHID FLOWERS. 
(Continued from page 106.) 
N our. first chapter on the segments of Orchid flowers attention was 
drawn to the fact that the outer whorl consists of three segments called 
sepals, and in the second chapter it was pointed out that the inner whorl 
contains a similar number of segments, two of which are known as petals,. 
and the third the labellum, or lip. A glance at the adjoining illustration of 
Odontoglossum crispum will make clear the relative positions. The labellum 
is the most important of all the six segments, and it also shows the greatest 
diversity of structure. Theoretically, it is a petal that has undergone con- 
siderable modification, and the different forms it assumes in various genera 
ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM. 
are very interesting to follow. As these notes are intended for amateurs, it 
is helpful to point out that the base of the labellum is the end nearest the- 
centre of the flower, the apex is the point marked L. The tooth-like crest 
also denotes the basal portion. 
In the days when Odontoglossum crispum was being imported by tens 
of thousands, the varieties with spotted segments were much sought after. 
But this spotting was not equally displayed on all the segments. In nearly 
every example of O. crispum the labellum bore a few spots, as indicated in 
the adjoining block; in fact, so common were these spotted-lip varieties 
that those not so marked realised high prices. Varieties in which the sepals- 
Carried a few spots were occasionally ‘seen, but those having the petals. 
