GEAMMATOPHYLLUM. 1 85 



bulbs, the sepals being rich yellow, whilst the petals and lip 

 are deep purplish violet. Native of South America. 



Geammatophyllum . 



A small genus of somewhat large-growing plants, all of 

 which are worth growing wh«re space can be allotted them. 

 One of them makes a magnificent specimen, having a noble 

 palm-like appearance ; but it requires considerable space to 

 grow it in perfection, and it is, unfortunately, a shy bloomer. 

 I have seen plants grown for eight years without flowering ; 

 indeed, it has only once or twice been flowered well in this 

 country — once by Mr. Scott, when gardener to the late Sir 

 George Staunton, and again by Mr. Carson, Nonsuch Park, 

 Cheam ; the latter had it very fine. This plant had been in 

 the Cheam Collection for many years, but was sold a few 

 years ago, and is now in the possession of S. Mendel, Esq., of 

 Manchester, with whom I hope to see it flower again. The 

 plants require to be well grown, and after making a few 

 strong growths, should have a decided season of rest ; they 

 require to be grown in peat, in a pot of good size, and with 

 good drainage ; a liberal supply of water at the roots must 

 also be given during the growing season. The East Indian 

 house is the proper place in which to keep them throughout 

 the year. They are propagated by dividing the bulbs. 



G. Ellisii. — A charming species, brought from Madagascar 

 by the Bev. W. Elhs, of Hoddesdon, in compliment to whom 

 it is named ; it is a smaller-growing species than G. speciosum, 

 and more free flowering, producing spikes of blossoms from 

 the base of the bulbs along with the young growths ; the 

 flowers are large, of a yellow and brown colour, and they 

 remain some tima in beauty. This may be made to succeed 

 on a block suspended from the roof, provided it has a 

 plentiful supply of water. 



