EPIDENDRUM VITELLINUM. 
(Yolk of Egg coloured Epidendrum.) 
Class. Order. 
GYNANDRIA. RIONANDRIA. 
Natural Order. 
ORCIIIDACE^. 
Generic Character. — Sepals spreading, nearly 
equal. Petals equal with the sepals, or narrower, 
rarely broader, spreading, or reflexed. Labellum 
wholly or partly united with the margin of the column; 
limb entire or divided, surface frequently ribbed or 
tuberculated. Column elongated, with a recurved 
margin, often fimbriated. Anthers two to four-celled, 
fleshy. Pollen-masses four. 
Specific Character — Pseudo-bulbs ovate, acumi- 
nate, two-leaved. Leaves oblong, strap-shaped, acute, 
with dry membranous sheaths at the base. Raceme 
terminal, erect, many-flowered, short. Sepals and 
petals ovate, lanceolate, acute, nearly equal, spreading. 
Labellum linear, with an abruptly narrowed, acute 
apex ; base callose, pierced with two holes, half-free. 
Among the vast number of species contained in the genus Epidendrum^ it is 
natural that we should look for a considerable dissimilarity of form and of character, 
but the very different appearance of the more prominent features of some species, 
and even the variety displayed in the lineaments of the flowers, is so great, that to 
one unacquainted with the nice distinctions of botanists, they would scarcely be 
imagined to possess any affinity. And yet, these distinctions, minute and unob- 
trusive as they are, form the only sure and unvarying standard for arranging 
plants in collective groups. 
Perhaps the most prominent variation in the habits of Epidendra is to be 
found in the long leafy stems peculiar to many species, and the round pseudo- 
bulbous nature which characterizes others. And though many which have been 
introduced produce small and inconspicuous flowers, which are void of interest to 
the cultivator who looks for a showy bright colour to enliven his houses, there are 
yet others that, from the elegance and profusion of their blossoms, bespeak his 
admiration. A glance at the accompanying plate will best testify the title of the 
present species to be enumerated with the latter class. It is one of the pseudo- 
bulbous section, and has finer and broader foliage than is usual amongst them. From 
its kindred species it is readily recognised in the peculiar appearance communicated 
by the glaucous bloom which overspreads the leaves. Flowers are produced in 
tolerable profusion, and the plant seems likely to be a general favourite. 
Writing about it in the Botanical Register, Dr. Lindley observes, " It was not 
till specimens collected on the Cumbre of Tetontepeque in Mexico, at the elevation 
of 9000 feet above the sea, were received from Mr. Hartweg, that I had any con- 
VOL. XI.— NO. CXXIII. II 
