253 



MEMORANDUM RELATIVE TO A VALUABLE 

 SPECIES OF ORCHID RECOMMENDED FOR 

 NATURALISATION IN JAMAICA. 



Odontoglossum crispum. 

 By Robt. Thomson, Bogota. 



This species of orchid is indigenous to the western slopes of the 

 Eastern Cordilleras of the Colombian Andes. Its habitat extends from 

 about 3° to 5° north. 



The flowers of this species are extremely variable, ranging from in- 

 ferior types or forms which are rejected by the orchid grower, to forms 

 comprising the most popular of all orchids. The famous forms are 

 confined to the centre of the area of distribution, i. e., the Pacho 

 district. The inferior forms are characterised in general by narrow 

 floral segments — " starry" type. The fine forms are distinguished by 

 broad floral segments, thus in contradistinction to the narrow *' starry' 

 forms. The flowers of the fine types are otherwise remarkable in their 

 varietal diversity ; numerous shades of colour from pure white to rosy 

 mauve— sometimes blended or tinged; their size, form and substance ; 

 the peculiar spotting on the segments, ranging from solitary spots to 

 groups of spots, and differently coloured spots. 



The plants flower almost throughout the year, and the graceful arch- 

 ing racemes last in bloom about two months. In Europe the flowers 

 are much improved by cultivation as compared with the flowers in the 

 forest. Another advantage which contributes to the value of this plant 

 under cultivation is that it grows only in a cool temperature. Its alti- 

 tudinal range in its native habitat is from 6,500 to 9,000 feet, and the 

 range of the temperature is from 40° to 70° Fahr. 



As already indicated this is in all probability the most popular of all 

 ©rchids in cultivation. During the past 20 years the number of plants 

 exported to Europe has averaged not less than 100,000 a year, thus two 

 millions. Of course many thousands perish under cultivation in 

 Europe, and some 25 per cent are lost in transit. The demand for these 

 plants in Europe is increasing. This year several great orchid growers 

 have requisitioned 250,000 plants. 



Hitherto this orchid supply has been obtained from the Pacho 

 district, that is from an area comprising some three hundred square 

 miles of forest, occupying numerous spurs and ramified ridges of 

 the Eastern Cordillera. 



Some 15 years ago this orchid was obtainable in the Pacho district 

 for a couple of dollars a hundred. Then a peon collector collected as 

 many as 200 a day. Now a peon collects about 10 a day ; and the 

 price of collection has increased tenfold. 



Of the 250,000 desired for Europe this year it is hardly possible to 

 supply more than a third, and this with strenuous efforts, -efforts stimu- 

 lated by the payment of exorbitant prices. Moreover the result of these 



