THE ORCHID GENERA 



the mythological name of Medusae. There are many 

 varieties among the Cirrhopetalums which are not only 

 curious, but are really handsome in appearance. Pro- 

 minent among these is the plume-bearing C. Rothschildi- 

 anum, the prevailing colour of whose flower is bright 

 crimson purple, blotches of clear yellow appearing on 

 the sepals, the triangular grooved hinged labellum being 

 purple, and the whole flower so attractive that it 

 commands attention from everyone. Its nearest affinities 

 are C. Collettii, C. ornatissimum, and C. appendiculatum, with 

 gem-like appendages. The last named is probably the 

 only single flowered Cirrhopetalum known. The follow- 

 ing species are representatives of the umbellate section : 

 — C. Master 'sianum, the umbrella-like spread of whose 

 brown satiny petals reminds one of the parasol of a 

 Liliputian belle, C. (J Brienianum, C. picturatum, C. Rox- 

 burghii, C. gracillimum, and C. Cumingii, with flowers 

 arranged like tiny pink parasols. When stood upon the 

 ground, each umbel of this last-named plant looks as if a 

 caterpillar were curled over its surface. It is closely 

 allied to C. Jimbriatum, though the colour of the flowers 

 (a warm, reddish purple) is far more brilliant and 

 attractive. The upper sepal and the petals of C. jim- 

 briatum are fringed round their margins with long 

 glandular hairs. The fleshy lip has two erect longitudinal 

 keels, and is touched by a very slender bristle, the 

 balance being so nicely adjusted that a slight touch sets 

 the whole of the lips in the umbel oscillating in a very 

 curious fashion. A compact plant of C. nutans, smothered 

 with umbels of small white flowers, makes a charming 

 object. C. refractum is known as the "Windmill" 

 Cirrhopetalum. It has a raceme of golden-yellow 

 flowers, which are arranged around the top of the spike 

 so as to be sensitive to the slightest current of air. 

 Cirrhopetalums are all dwarf in habit, and thus occupy 

 but little space, especially as they thrive well in teak 



