8o THE BOOK OF ORCHIDS 



Masdevallia 



The typical species is M. unifiora, which was dis- 

 covered between the period of 1777 and 1788, and up 

 to 1832 only two other species were recorded. Since 

 that time, probably 140 species have been introduced 

 into European gardens. Masdevallias are Alpine plants, 

 which have their home on the mountains of tropical 

 America, principally Columbia, where they grow at 

 considerable altitudes, ranging from 6000 to 12,000 

 feet. In this genus there is a great number of species, 

 interesting either on account of the brilliant colouring 

 of their flowers or of peculiarities in structure. Those 

 species which are characterised by their great brilliance 

 and depth of colour are M. Veitchiana, M. Lindenii, 

 M. ignea, M. amabilis, M. Barloeana, M. cucullata, M. 

 coccinea, and the many beautiful and distinct varieties of 

 the Harryana type. All are of robust growth and very 

 floriferous. Other distinct species well deserving of 

 culture are the yellow-flowered M. Davisii and the pure 

 white M. tovarensis. Such species as M. ephippium, M. 

 elephanticeps , M. gargantua, M. peristeria, M. Trochilus, 

 and M. coriacea, etc., are grown principally for the 

 quaintness of their flowers. M. macrura is the giant of 

 them all, having leaves more like those of a Cattleya 

 than of a Masdevallia. Contrasting greatly in growth 

 with the last-named species, are such charming Masde- 

 vallias as M. Arminii, M. caudata, M. Shuttleivorthii, 

 M. Estrada, M. ionocharis, M. Wagenerii, M. picturata, 

 M. hieroglyphica, M. melanopus, M. jloribunda, M. tria- 

 dactylites, JVL. triangularis, M. Lauchiana, M. ludibunda, 

 and M. xanthina. Nice tufts of either of these 

 dwarf-growing plants form lovely objects when well 

 flowered. M. rosea is a most floriferous species, and a 

 large plant in full bloom is very showy. Owing to 

 their compact habit of growth, these and similar species 



