134 ORCHIDS 



Cryptophoranthus. 



C. maculatus {-Rolfe). — This is a remarkable little plant from 

 Brazil. The numerous flowers are yellow, densely spotted with 

 crimson, ^in. long. They are situate at the base of the leaf on 

 a stem so short that the flowers lie upon the soil. The leaves 

 are elliptic, obtuse, very fleshy, numerously blotched with 

 purple on the upper surface, i]in. to 2:|-in. long, |in. to ijin, 

 broad. Syn. Pleurothallis viaculata. 



CYCNOCHES. 



About a dozen species of this singular genus of the 

 tribe Wiiidccr have been introduced into this country at 

 various times. It was founded by Lindley, and although 

 onl}' a few species are in culti\"ation, they are all of great 

 interest, and some of considerable beaut}-. They resemble 

 Catasctitm in many respects, notably in the property some 

 species have of producing two different kinds of flowers 

 on the same plant. The thick and fleshy pseudo-bulbs 

 are usually from 6in. to loin. high, and bear several 

 pointed, stoutly-ribbed leaves. The flowers are produced 

 from the upper part of the pseudo-bulbs, and are 

 generally large ; their most prominent character lies in the 

 long, slender column, which curves gracefully, and by 

 fancifully resembling the neck of a swan suggested the 

 generic name — from kj'kiios, a swan, and auclicn, a neck. 

 The plants are popularly known as Swan Orchids. All 

 the species are natives of tropical America. 



Culture. — These plants should be grown in fibrous peat 

 and sphagnum, to which a little silver-sand may be added. 

 They will succeed in either pots or baskets, provided 

 these are well drained. During the growing season they 

 require a light position in an intermediate-house, with 

 copious waterings at the roots. It is advisable, howe\-er, 

 to avoid wetting the foliage, as the centres of the 

 growths are liable to rot if water is allowed to remain 

 there. The lea\-es drop off in autumn, \\\\&\\ the plants 

 should be removed to drier quarters, and water almost 

 entirely withheld until growth recommences, 



C. aureum {Lhidl. and Paxt.). — A handsome species, bearing 

 numerous large, yellow flowers, closely arranged on a drooping 

 raceme. The sepals and petals are lance-shaped, and dotted 

 with purple, the latter being curved in at the tips. The lip is 



