THE ORCHID REVIEW. 11K 
NOTES ON ORCHIDS IN THE JUNGLE. 
By MAJOR-GENERAL E. S. BERKELEY. 
(Continued from page 83.) 
THERE is a group of Dendrobiums commonly found both in the plains and 
on the hills, very extensively distributed throughout Northern India, Assam, 
and Burma, from latitude 1o° N. to 27° N. Of these probably the most 
common is Dendrobium Pierardii. This plant is found in the lower ranges 
of the Himalayas, on the mangrove trees in the hot swamps of the Sounder- 
bunds, in Assam, and universally throughout Burma. 
As might be expected, under such various conditions of growth, there 
is a great difference, not only in the size and quality of the flowers, but also 
as to varieties of easy growth in our home Orchid houses. The varieties 
growing in the hot plains are not only miserable both as regards the quality 
of both plants and flowers, but being accustomed to great heat, do not 
accommodate themselves to the different conditions of our houses in 
England. The varieties growing in the ranges of the Himalayas below 
Darjeeling, and in the various hill ranges throughout Assam and Burma, 
are very good, both in strength of growth and freedom of flowering, and 
are much more easy of cultivation. The best varieties can be distinguished 
when out of flower by their stems, which are both longer and stouter than 
those of the low country form. 
D. Pierardii is generally found growing on the stems and branches 
of trees, frequently in company with D. Parishii, to which plant the same 
remarks regarding the quality of the flowers are applicable. The low 
Country variety of D. Parishii is generally very poor, the plants stunted 
and the flowers small ; whereas the immense bulbs of the hill variety, which 
was called by the late Professor Reichenbach “ Dives,” give a wealth 
‘of extremely fine flowers and is certainly a very showy Orchid. 
In consequence of certain plants collected with D. Pierardii and D. 
Parishii turning out intermediate between the two, Reichenbach considered 
that they might be considered natural hybrids. ' 
he first one that made its appearance was that found by Mr. Boxall in 
1874. This plant was named D. rhodopterygium, Rchb. f. The —— 
of this plant are erect in habit, and smooth, as in many of the varieties 
of Pierardii. ‘The flowers are attractive and of pleasing colour, with 
4 slight white band round the edge of the lip. 
The other plant, called by Reichenbach D. polyphlcebium, has more the 
‘@Ppearance of D, Parishii var. Dives. The stems are long and drooping, 
not erect and smooth, as in D, rhodopterygium, and the old stems are 
‘Covered with loose sheaths, in the same way as is often the case with D. 
