EPIDENDRUMS. 



67 



they are propagated by dividing the plants, as described in 

 the remarks on propagation (p. 22). 



Epidendrum alatum major. — A pretty species from 

 Mexico : its spikes of flowers, produced in June or July, 

 are pale yellow, with the lip striped with purple, and con- 

 tinue five or six wrecks in beauty. There are several 

 varieties of alatum, but I know only one, viz. the major 

 variety, which w^as flow^ered by Mr. WooUey, gardener to 

 H. Bellenden Ker, Esq., Cheshunt. 



Ejn. aiirantiaciim, — A charming species from Guate- 

 mala. This plant grows in the same way as the Cattleya 

 Skinnerii, which the bulbs so nearly resemble as to be 

 often mistaken for it. It grows a foot high, and produces 

 its flowers from a sheath at the top of the bulb : the 

 flowers are of a bright orange colour, with lip of the same, 

 striped with crimson : it blooms in March, April, and May, 

 lasting six weeks in perfection if kept in a cool house. 

 There are two varieties of this plant, one of which never 

 expands its flowers. We have both varieties here, and 

 both growing in the same house, with the same treatment : 

 the best variety opens its flowers, while the other keeps 

 them nearly close, — a peculiarity which renders it not worth 

 growing. There is a fine plant of the best variety in the 

 Horticultural Gardens, Chiswick, which is worth a visit 

 when in bloom. 



Epi. alifolium. — A pretty species when well grown, 

 from the same country as the former. This is pendulous- 

 growing, and very distinct from any of the other Epiden- 

 drums, having curious and narrow-pointed leaves : the 

 flowers, which are large, proceed from the top of the bulb, ^ 

 one or two together: the sepals and petals are greenish- 

 yellow and brown, the lip is of a pure w^hite ; it blooms 

 during the summer months, and lasts long in beauty. This 

 plant is best grown in a basket with moss. 



