A FEW NATIVE ORCHIDS 



203 



In this orchid we thus find a distinct adapta- 

 tion to the tongue of a moth or butterfly. 



Another similar device for assuring the neces- 

 sary side approach is seen in H. flava (Fig. 15), a 

 yellowish spiked species, more or less common in 

 swamps and rich alluvial haunts. 



Professor Wood remarks, botanically, " The 

 tubercle (or palate) of the lip is a remarkable 

 character." But he, too, has failed to note the 

 equally remarkable palate of the ragged orchid, 

 just described, both provisions having the sam.e 

 purpose, the insurance of an oblique approach to 

 the nectary. In H.fiava this "tubercle," instead 



