66 
NAT. ORDER. ORCHIDACE^. 
This elegant species of dendrobiwn is a native of Nepal, in 
the East Indies, from whence it was imported some years ago ir.to 
the city of London, and is now beginning to be cultivated in many 
parts of Europe. Though well known to the cultivators of or- 
chidaceous plants, we think it probable that many of our readers 
have never had an opportunity of seeing this, especially as it is 
but very little known by the florists of this country, and on that 
account we have thought best to give it a place in the "Flora,' 
hoping by this to induce some more able botanist to give a more 
lengthy description, both of its history and medical propertief 
For cultivation it requires to be kept in a warm and humid 
state while growing, but more cool and dry during the period of 
rest. It should be potted in rough peat and broken pots ; it is also 
increased by dividing, like many others of this tribe. The generic 
name, dendrohium, is derived from the Greek, loood, in allusion to 
the habit of the species growing upon trees, and thus ornamenting 
with their tortuous stems and beauteous flowers the extensive for- 
ests of India, where the greater portion of them are found. The 
specific nome, Jimhriatum, has reference to the fringed margin of 
the lip. 
Medical Propei'ties and Uses. We have searched in vain some 
very extensive botanical libraries, for the purpose of gathering 
some information in support of the medicinal virtues of this valu- 
able plant ; and not being able to obtain any satisfactory evidence 
on this point, will proceed to state briefly some of its most impor- 
tant medical properties, and its application to use. A gentleman 
who is a resident physician in Scotland, informed me that he found 
this plant serviceable in all nervous diseases, and that he consid- 
ered it superior to any other article in the vegetable kingdom, as a 
nervine. It also possesses sudorific and diuretic properties. The 
leaves are the part which are recommended for use. 
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