saocolabium. 257 



Saocolabium. 



This genus contains some of the finest Orchids in cultiva- 

 tion. They are very compact in their growth, and are 

 furnished with long, thick, and fleshy pendent evergreen 

 foHage. From the axils of the leaves their long graceful 

 racemes of flowers, which often measure from one to two feet 

 in length, are produced. Their habit of growth is the same 

 as that of Aerides, and they require the same heat and 

 treatment. The various species of this genus mostly inhabit 

 the hottest parts of India, and are fotrnd growing on the 

 branches of trees. They are propagated in the same way as 

 the Aerides, and are liable to become infested by the same 

 sorts of insects. The following species comprise the best of 

 this beautiful genus. There are several others in cultivation, 

 some of which are small flowered, and not worth the attention of 

 amateurs with limited space. I have only named those that 

 are the most beautiful, and which ought to be in every col- 

 lection, however small, as they are very handsome even 

 without flowers. 



8. ampullaceum. — -A distinct, compact-habited, and pretty 

 Orchid from India, with straight dark-green leaves about three 

 or four inches in length ; it grows about ten inches high, and 

 produces erect spikes of flower about six inches long, of a 

 beautiful rosy -pink colour, in May and June. This plant will 

 succeed on a block, or in a basket with moss, and remains in 

 beauty three weeks. 



8. ampullaceum moulmeinense. — A superb variety of the 

 preceding ; it is somewhat more robust in growth, and the 

 leaves are spotted on the under side with dull brown ; the 

 spike is long and dense, and the flowers of a uniform rich 

 deep rose. It is a native of Moulmein. 



8. bigibbum. — This very pretty species is at present very 

 rare ; it is a small close^growing plant, with somewhat oblong 



