CYMBIDIUM— CYPRIPEDIUM. 



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CYMBIDIUM. 



An old-world genus, containing a large number of species and a few very distinct 

 and beautiful hybrids. Some are splendid garden orchids, others are mere botanical 

 curiosities ; the latter are left out of the accompanying list. Their culture is 

 not difficult when the plants are well established, and they thrive in a sound, substantial 

 compost consisting of equal parts of peat, loam, and chopped moss, plenty of crocks 

 being added to insure aeration. Apply water freely all the year round, but especially 

 when the plants are in active growth. 



Eepresentative Species. 



Cymbidium eburneum. — A lovely orchid, and not 

 excelled in the genus ; the flowers are pure 

 white, large, fragrant, and produced freely. 

 China, Burmah, 1846 {%). 



C. giganteum. — A strong-growing handsome plant ; 

 leaves deep green, arching ; flower spikes contain- 

 ing a number of large blooms ; sepals and petals 

 brown ; lip pale yellow, brown and crimson. 

 Northern India, 1837 (c). 



C. Hookerianum. — Like C. giganteum in habit; 

 flowers greenish yellow, lip marked with crimson 

 and purple. Sikkim Himalayas, 1866 (i) (Fig. 45). 



C. Lowianum. — Similar to the last two in habit; 

 flowers yellowish green, with lovely maroon 



lip. One of the best of orchids for exhibition, 

 lasting three months in good condition. A very 

 popular plant. Burmah, 1878 (c). 



C. Mastersi. — A variable and beautiful species, with 

 rather small flowers ; these are white, with a 

 yellow throat and crimson purple spots. Burmah, 

 1841 (i). 



C. pendulum. — Stout-growing species, with purple, 

 white and crimson flowers, on long pendulous 

 spikes. Northern India, 1848 (?'). 



C. tigrinum. — Dwarfer in habit, the flowers green, 

 brown, and purple, very sweetly scented. Tenas- 

 serim, 1864 (/). 



CYPRIPEDIUM. 



This is a large and important genus, containing a great number of species, and a still 

 greater number of hybrids. So numerous, in fact, have the latter become that the 

 attempt to classify and name them all would be out of the question here. Nor is it 

 necessary, as some are so rare that they are not likely to pass into the hands of the 

 ordinary orchid grower for many years, while very little difference exists between 

 many of them. The species are widely distributed naturally, some few coming from 

 cool countries, and one being indigenous to Britain ; but the majority are natives of 

 the tropics of both hemispheres. No orchids are more easily cultivated, as they will 

 grow freely in any ordinary stove if placed in pots of peat, moss, and loam fibre. 



A few forms are more difficult to cultivate, and these are comprised in what is known 

 as the " bellatulum " group, of which the principal members are C. bellatulum (Fig. 46), 

 C. niveum, C. concolor, and C. GodefroyaB, a lovely class when well grown. They are 



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