f " ] 



CYMBIDIUM LOWIANUM ay/,/,/ 



ultifoliatis, foliis distichis elongato-linearibus acutis recurvis coriaceis nervosis ci 

 •ribus, bracteis subobsoletis, floribus speciosis, sepalis patentibus oblongo-lanceolati^ 

 atis, labello trifido velutino, lobis lateralibus erectis rotundatis, lobo medio recun 

 basi disci ad basin lobi medii apice arcuatis, columna elongata arcuata. 

 i Gard. Chron., 1879, pt. 1, p. 332 ; id., pp. 404, 405, fig. 56 ; Fl. Mag., n. s., 1879, t 

 1m xyl.; Berlin Gart. Zeit., 1885, p. 73, fig. 18 ; Warn. Sel. Orch., ser. 3, t. 31. 



1 Gard. Chron, 1877, pt. 1, p. 685 ; Hook. f. Fl. Brit. Ind. VI., p. 



^a 2 — 3 ped. longis, raccmis 

 acutis, lateralibus subfalcatis, 

 5 late triangulo-ovato obtuso 



353 ; Orchidophile, 1882, pp. 



Terrestris, pseudobulbis oblongis n 

 arcuatis multifloris foliis aequalibus v. longi* 

 petalis similibus v. paullo minoribus subfal 

 paullo undulato, lamellis geminis velutinis a 



Cymbidium Lowianum, Rchb. f. i: 

 320, 321, cum xyl.; id, 1885, pp. 144, 145, c 



Cymbidium giganteum var. Lowianum, Rchb. f. 



Var. CONCOLOR, Rolfe in Gard. Chron, 1891, pt. II, p. 187. 



This handsome plant was originally described by Reichenbach, in 1877, as Cymbidium giganteum var. Lowianum, from dried Burmese specir 

 collected by Mr. Boxall for Messrs. Hugh Low & Co, of Clapton. At that time the author remarked that it might even prove to be a new species, and \ 

 in March, 1879, it flowered for the first time in cultivation he confirmed this view, describing it as Cymbidium Lowianum, and remarking— " it ranks 

 Cymbidium giganteum, Wall, and C. longifolium, Don ; the two short, abrupt calli on the disc of the lip, the cordate not wavy anterior lacinia of the lip, 

 the straight, short divaricate tails of the caudicula, give it the strongest claim to be considered an excellent, well-marked species." As regards colon 



stinct, the segments not being lined with brown, as in C. giganteum, and the lip not bordered with a 

 lum. Its other ally, C. longifolium, is a considerably smaller plant. In its free habit and long ra 

 ecies of the group, the large brownish-crimson blotch on the front of the lip contrasting effectively wi 

 riety concolor this blotch is quite absent, and thus the flowers are self-coloured. The allied species i 

 nited to Burmah. 



and 

 'ery 

 3W of spots, as in both C. giganteum and C. Hookeri- 

 smes of flowers C. Lowianum is decidedly the finest 

 l the greenish-yellow of the rest of the flower. In the 

 e all natives of the Himalayas, while C. Lowianum is 

 R. A. Rolfe. 



This is a stately and magnificent cool-house orchid. The flowers remain in perfection for a long period — oftentimes 

 ten or twelve weeks ; and since its first introduction to this country orchidists, without exception, have welcomed the 

 plant in their collections, for — like the Vandas — it is a very graceful object, even when out of blossom. It is a native 

 of Burmah, and its season of flowering is from February to June, much depending on the conditions under which the 

 plant is cultivated, for while this species is best grown in a temperature of 50 deg. F. as a minimum, it also grows freely 

 in a much higher temperature, and by cultivating plants in cool and intermediate houses, the flowering season is 

 prolonged. There is also a tendency in individual specimens to bloom early or late according to the season of growth, 

 mode of culture, and, possibly, inherent peculiarities. 



The large importations of late years have revealed many superb and exquisite forms, some plants invariably 

 producing long spikes of many large blossoms, loosely arranged on the inflorescence ; and others short spikes closely clad 

 with flowers. The rich colouring of the labellums in the finest varieties forms the standard of excellence — although the 

 greenish-yellow form, Cymbidium Lowianum var. concolor, in which the red and crimson are entirely absent, is very 

 delicate and lovely. An albino has not yet appeared ; seeing that such a large number of plants have bloomed under 

 cultivation since the introduction of the species to Europe in 1877, it may be presumed that a white variety will not 

 occur ; — this view is also strengthened by the analogy of kindred orchids having similar coloured blossoms. As an 

 exhibition plant, this Cymbidium is unrivalled, the flowers being of such exceptional durability, and, therefore, withstand- 

 ing long journeys and much exposure without disfigurement or injury. 



After many years' careful and successful cultivation of this species, we can recommend the growing of this plant 

 in the best yellow loam, with a little clean, coarse sand and charcoal, in well-drained pots or pans, as conducive to the 

 best results. Copious waterings are necessary wmen the plant is in active growth, but care should be taken not to 

 over-water newly potted plants, nor should they be plunged for any length of time, as this treatment is likely to cause 

 the roots to rot and die. Thorough drainage is essential. 



Our pla 



; taken from a pla 



Eisgrub, near Lundenburg, Mahn 



(Mr. W. Lauche, Dii 



