246 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [AuGusT, 1923+ 
MASDEVALLIA DAVISII 
ELLOW Orchids are so frequently admired that it is not surprising to 
y find amateurs selecting a few additional ones for their collections. A 
species that may appeal to them is Masdevallia Davisii. It was discovered 
in 1873 by Mr. Davis, on the Eastern Cordillera of Peru, near Cuzco, and 
at an elevation of about 11,000 feet. The leaves are 6-8 inches long, thick 
and leathery, the flower spikes longer than the leaves, and bearing but a 
single flower. Measured across the lateral sepals, the flowers are 14-2 inches 
broad, and they vary in colour from rich orange-yellow to light primrose. 
In its native habitat this species grows in a light soil generally consisting 
of loam and moss, in which there is frequently a certain amount of decayed 
vegetable matter, hence it will be seen that alight open compost is necessary 
for its well-being when under artificial cultivation. 
M. Davisii belongs to the cool-growing section of the genus, in fact, it 
can be grown at a much lower temperature than most of the Odonto- 
glossums. However, there is no need to attempt its cultivation in an 
unreasonably cold house. It will yield many flowers in season if given a 
shady position in a moist house. The early autumn is a favourable time for 
repotting Masdevallias. All large specimens are apt to get thin in the 
centre, and it is then advisable to carefully pull them to pieces, re-arranging 
the little tufts of leafy pieces so that they make neat plants. Whenever 
placing these together always make sure that a layer of compost is put 
between them so that the roots may have ample opportunity of obtaining 
their supply of food material. On all fine days the foliage should be lightly 
sprayed, both in the morning and evening. On other occasions the 
atmosphere should be kept moist by damping down the floor and the staging- 
Whenever the atmosphere is allowed to become dry for any prolonged period 
the foliage assumes a parched appearance, and it is then that red-spider and 
thrips make their attacks. Masdevallias delight in a moist situation, but it 
should be remembered that they are not bog plants, and on that account 
the compost should never get into a sodden condition, or the roots will soom 
perish. It is, of course, to be expected that some of the old leaves will 
decay, but if any of the newly-formed ones turn yellow and drop off it is 
certain that something is wrong with the treatment adopted. Very often 
an over-supply of water during the dull winter months will bring about this 
condition. 
LYCASTE FULVESCENS-—This elegant species was discovered by Linden 
in 1842 in Colombia at about 6,000 feet elevation. Three years later it 
flowered in the collection of the Rev. John Clowes, of Manchester, aD 
amateur whose name is commemorated in Anguloa Clowesii. 
