114 



ORCHID-GROWERS MANUAL. 



ARPOPHTLLUM, Llave et Lexarza. 

 (^Tribe Vandeae, miMrihe Pleurothallideae.) 



This genus of terrestrial Orchids has erect stout one-leaved stems, 

 the leaf-sheath embracing the stem. The scapes or peduncles are 

 terminal, and bear an erect spike of numerous small prettily-coloured 

 flowers, the parts of which are concave and shell-like, with a broad 

 column and eight pollen masses. There are some half-dozen species 

 found in Mexico and Central America, and of these only three, with 

 which we are acquainted, are worth growing. All three are of stately 

 and handsome habit, with bold evergreen foliage, and beautiful upright 

 spikes of flowers, charmingly arranged, looking not unlike rows of small 

 highly-coloured shells clustering round the spike, which is a foot or more 

 in length. A. giganteum makes a fine exhibition plant, and the colour 

 is distinct from that of most Orchids. 



Culture. — The species all require the heat of the Mexican house. 

 They are best grown in pots, in peat with good drainage, as they 

 require a liberal supply of water at the roots when growing, and to be 



placed as near the light as 

 possible, care being taken not 

 to give too much shade, as the 

 more light they get the better 

 they will bloom. They are pro- 

 pagated by division. 



A. CARDINALE, Linden e.t Rchh.f. 

 — A very distinct species, with 

 ensiform leaves two feet long, of 

 a dark green, and glossy above. 

 The flowers are produced in cylin- 

 drical racemes a foot long, and 

 consist of light rose-coloured 

 sepals and petals, and a deep rose 

 red lip. It blooms during the 

 summer months, and lasts three 

 or four weeks in perfection. — New 

 Grenada. 



Fia. — Pescatorea, t. 45. 



A. GIGANTEUM, Lindley.—K noble species, and certainly the finest of the 

 genus, having dark evergreen, ensiform, drooping leaves, and a graceful habit 



AKPOPHYLLUM GIGANTEUM. 



