THl': OkClIII) WORLD. 
223 
LISSOCHILUS HORSFALLII. 
In the Orchid World of Februai-)-, 1913, 
[Kigf 100, appear two photographs and a 
description of this Orchid which I grew on 
my veranda in Uganda. 1 described how 
this plant, which in its wild state is known 
only as a swamp Orchid, grew so luxuriantly 
under very different conditions. The plant 
sent up a further and larger spike in 
November last which developed 54 flowers. 
It occurred to me then that it would be 
interesting to lift the plant and observe its 
root system, more particularly for the benefit 
of those who are endeavouring to grow the 
plants of this genus in England. The two 
photographs show what a vigorous root 
system it has. 
To cultivators in England this should 
suggest a drastic change in the treatment 
hitherto given these plants. In all the 
attempts I have seen at the cultivation of 
Lissochilus the same mistakes have been 
Lissochilus Horsfallii, the root system. 
Lissochilus Horsfallii, the plant after removal. 
made, i.e., the plants were grown m an 
atmosphere too moist and shady, in recep- 
tacles not nearly large enough, and in 
unsuitable compost. 
The Lissochilus tubers in their wild state 
;ire found g-i2 inches below the surface of 
the ground. The soil is a strong yellow 
loam. The stronger kinds, such as Horsfallii 
and giganteus, have roots three feet long, and 
thicker than a lead pencil. Imagine such 
plants being expected to develop in leaf soil 
and moss in a pan 4 inches deep! And yet 
this is what I saw recently in a famous 
collection. 
Very little success has yet been met with 
m the cultivation of this beautiful African 
genus, but I feel certain success would follow 
more rational treatment. These plants do not 
want the compost and damp, shady condi- 
tions which are found so beneficial to 
cpiph} tic Orchids, but plenty of root-room in 
good soil with almost full sunshine. Success 
may then be reasonably expected. 
Ernest Broivn, F.L.S., Craitlcigh, Surrey. 
