242 AERIDES QUINQUEVULNERUM. 
is one of the most showy of that beautiful race ; " combining all the better features 
of A. odoratuin with a superior variety and richness of colour. The sepals and 
petals are whitish, slightly speckled with purple, and having a rich purplish lilac 
stain at their apex. The spur of the lip is green ; the two side lobes, pale pink, 
spotted with purple, and the middle one of a deep sanguineous crimson. 
In the luxuriance of its growth, it is not all inferior to A. odorata^ as will be 
seen in both the coloured plate and the lesser woodcut. It is likewise quite as 
prolific of flowers, the racemes 
being even longer ; and the 
scent is peculiarly delicious. 
The great strength of the 
roots, and their branching na- 
ture, will help to explain why 
the genus has received the dis- 
tinguishing name of Air-plant, 
since it is by the surface or 
spongioles of these organs that 
sustenance is derived from the 
atmosphere. 
Messrs. Loddiges cultivate 
the species on a block of wood, 
hung from the roof of the 
house ; and it is kept in a moist 
atmosphere, of a rather high 
temperature. It is not easily 
propagated, from the slow- 
ness with which it emits side 
branches ; but when these are 
protruded, and have formed one or two roots, they can be safely detached, and are 
sure to succeed if appropriately treated. When plants of this class attain an 
unusual size, their appearance is improved by being planted in proportionate 
wooden baskets ; for, if then growing on blocks of wood, they create the fear that 
the weiMit of their leaves and branches will overturn them. 
Aerides is derived from aer, the air, as the plants subsist almost entirely on 
atmospheric supplies. 
