50 THE ORCHID REVIEW. [MaRCH, 1917. 
splendida, Schlechter, from Columbia; S. Weberbaueriana, Kranzal., from 
Peru: and S. Lyonsii, Lindl., from Jamaica, and they form a very 
homogeneous group. 
Another group of species which have been referred to Schomburgkia is 
really quite distinct, and of these S. tibicinis, Batem., may be considered as 
the type. These have conical, hollow pseudobulbs, tapering upwards, with 
three or four short, broad leaves at the apex, branched panicles of flowers, 
short bracts, the side lobes of the lip broad and ample, and the front lobe 
smaller and without keels. The hollow pseudobulbs have the peculiarity of 
forming a nidus for ants, which find an entrance by a small hole at the base. 
SCHOMBURGKIA TIBICINIS. 
The original S. tibicinis is a native of Honduras, where it is said to 
exist in great abundance, and where it was discovered by Mr. G. Ure 
Skinner, whose attention, as we learn from Bateman, ‘‘ was attracted at a 
considerable distance by a cluster of its lofty flower-spikes, which, when in 
full bloom, and in the dense masses that the plant produces in a wild 
state, must be very conspicuous. On the occasion in question, its original 
discoverer was not permitted to obtain quiet possession of his prize, as 
swarms of fiery ants, to which the hollow stems afford a snug retreat, issued 
forth in thousands to repel the spoiler, and inflicted pangs which none but 
the most ardent naturalist would have braved.”’ He further adds: ‘In 
such request are these vegetable trumpets among the wild urchins of 
Honduras, that the plant yielding them is called ‘the trumpet plant ’—an 
epithet that has suggested the specific name” (Batem. Orch. Mex. & Guat. 
t. 30). 
Lindley afterwards added: ‘‘ This noble plant is the cow’s-horn Orchis 
of Honduras. Its pseudobulbs, between one and two feet long, are quite 
hollow, and as smooth inside as the chamber of a bamboo; at their base 
there is always a small hole, which leads to the interior, and furnishes 
access to the colonies of ants, which are constantly found inhabiting ® the 
plant” (Bot. Reg., 1844, sub. t. 23). 
THE GENUS MYRMECOPHILA. 
S. tibicinis is quite typical of the remaining species, which we propose 
to separate under the generic name of MyRMECOPHILA (literally, ant-loving), 
in reference to their remarkable character, whose utility has been 
graphically described by Rodway. ‘“ What,” he asks, “shall we say to the 
construction of a home for ants, so that its tender aérial roots may be 
protected from cockroaches and other pests? This many species have 
accomplished, and now do it so thoroughly as to derive considerable beneti 
from the contrivance. Perhaps the most perfect of these homes are those 
provided by Schomburgkia and Diacrium bicornutum. In them we have 
a hollow pseudobulb, into which the ants either find a doorway ready made, 
Ls sag eee lita NS 
