73 
COELOGYNE GARDNERIANA. 
(largest coelogyne.) 
class. order. 
GYNANDRIA. MONANDRIA. 
NATURAL ORDER. 
ORCHIDACE^. 
Generic Character — Vide vol. vi. p. 25. 
Specific Character. — Plant epiphytal. Pseudo-hulbs bottle-shaped, slightly channelled. Leaves 
lanceolate, five-rihbed, acuminate. Racemes pendent, many-flowercd, terminal. Bracts deciduous, 
Sepals and petals oblong. Labellum denticulate, pouch-shaped at the base ; middle lobe divided 
into three segments, lateral ones smallest. 
This is undoubtedly one of the finest species of Coelogyne yet introduced to 
British collections ; although, from the whiteness of the flowers, and their com- 
paratively compressed nature, it is less showy than some of its allies. Being a 
rapid-growing plant, of easy culture, and flowering most abundantly under 
congenial treatment, it is a valuable acquisition to the tribe. 
Dr. Wallich originally discovered C. Gardneriana during his tour through 
India, but we believe it was not then forwarded to this country. In 1837, Mr. J. 
Gibson brought living specimens for his Grace the Duke of Devonsliire to Chats- 
worth. They were obtained from near the summit of the Khoseea Hills, in the 
East Indies, where it flourishes upon trees and rocks, in moist, shady woods. 
Its favourite locality, and that in which it appears most to luxuriate, is the 
immediate vicinage of a water-fall. The spray which is generated by the volume 
of precipitant waters during the rainy season, supplies a constant moisture to the 
roots, besides sprinkling the entire surface of the leaves ; from the extremities of 
which, indeed, it is usually seen depending in small pellucid globules. This fact 
is noticed for the sake of showing the abundance in which water is furnished 
throughout the period of the plant's growth, — a particular of some importance to 
the cultivator. 
At Chatsworth, this species is grown in a soil composed of three-fourths 
partially decayed leaves, and one of very turfy loam, to wdiich a small portion of 
river-sand or reduced sand-stone is added, to promote drainage. It will also thrive 
in moss which has been well broken and separated, if this be mixed with heath- 
soil and potsherds. While growing, it must be watered liberally, and daily 
syringed over the leaves. The temperature of the house will guide the cultivator 
in the performance of this operation ; as it must always be considered that only 
VOL. VI. NO. LXIV. L 
