SOBRALIA MACRANTHA SPLENDENS. 
(Splendid Large-flowered Sobralia.) 
Class. 
GYNANDRIA. 
Order. 
MONANDRIA. 
Natural Order. 
ORCIIIDACE^E. 
Generic Character. — Perianth large, coloured, 
nearly equal. Sepals spreading, sometimes reflexed. 
Petals erect. Lip hollow, clasping the column, narrow 
at the base, margins plaited, at the top somewhat two- 
lobed. Column elongate, marginate, club-shaped, 
separated at the top into three lobes, middle lobe hood- 
like, and bearing the anthers. Stigma marginate, 
having two nectariferous glands at the base. Anthers 
terminal, stipitate, partly four-celled. Pollen-masses 
four, compressed, pulverulent. 
Specific Character — Plant a perennial. Stems 
reed-like, growing six feet or more high. Leaves ovate, 
acuminate, rigid, plaited. Flowers terminal, large, 
and showy, betwixt seven and eight inches in diameter, 
rich crimson. Sepals spreading, lanceolate, acuminate. 
Petals oblong. Labellum emarginate, flat, smooth. 
Variety Splendens. — Plant growing only two to three 
feet high, flowers large, deep, rich, crimson-purple ; in 
other respects like the species. 
Of this fine genus Dr. Lindley remarks in the Sertum Orchidaceum that " the 
genus Sobralia is one of the most remarkable among Orchidacese, with its lofty 
reedy stems, large lily-like flowers, and stiff plaited leaves, which resemble those of 
the smaller kinds of Palm-tree. It is found in Peru, in Brazil, and in Mexico, 
where the species are amongst the most stately inhabitants of the bush. They 
consist of terrestrial perennial plants, with simple roots, and stems not uncommonly 
growing three times as high as a man, very rarely branched, and thickly clothed with 
leaves. Their inflorescence consists of terminal racemes, which are straight or 
flexuose, sometimes axillary and bifid, and loaded with snow-white, pink, crimson 
or violet flowers. The lip of all the species is wrapped round the column, whence it 
appears as if funnel-shaped, and is bordered by a lacerated fringed edge. The 
species inhabit dry, sunny, rocky, and very hot places, where they often form exten- 
sive thickets. A few are sweet-scented ; and of some the flowers last for only a 
short time." 
For the opportunity of figuring the subject of our present plate we are indebted 
to Messrs. Rollisson's, of Tooting, in whose nursery this magnificent species flowered 
in July last. These gentlemen came into possession of it about two years ago, 
having purchased it amongst other plants at one of the sales of South- American 
Orchids collected by Mr. Skinner. We believe it is a native of Mexico. 
The culture of this plant, although peculiar, is not difficult. It requires the 
VOL. XIV. NO. CLXVII. I I 
