ONCTDIUM SPILOPTERUM. 
Class. 
GYNANDRIA. 
{ Spotted- wiuged Oncidiuni.) 
Natural Order. 
ORCHIDACEiE. 
(Orchids, Veg. King.) 
Order. 
MONANDRIA. 
Generic Character.— Perianth showy. Sepals often 
undulated, lateral ones sometimes connate with the 
lower part of the labellum. Petals similar. Labellum 
very large, spurless, continuous with the column, vari- 
ously lobed, tubercled or crenulated at the base. Column 
free, semicylindrical, winged at the top on both sides. 
Anthers usually two-celled; rostellum sometimes 
shortened, sometimes elongated and beaked. Pollen 
masses two, furrowed behind ; caudicula plain ; gland 
oblong. 
Specific Character.— Plant an epiphyte. Pseudo- 
bulbs compressed, oblong, two-leaved. Leaves erect, 
oblong, acute. Scape erect, much longer than the 
leaves, containing seven to ten flowers. Sepals small, 
ovate, acute, free, of a purplish red, with darker spots. 
Petals the same as the sepals. Labellum large, three- 
lobed, almost round ; two lateral lobes small, middle 
lobe purple-red at the base, the broad spreading part 
clear yellow. Column crenulated, somewhat heart- 
shaped, clear yellow, spotted with purple red. 
Svnonymes and Authorities. — Oncidium spilopte- 
rum, Lindl. in Bot. Reg. 1844, Misc. 76, and 1845, t.50. 
For the opportunity of figuring this beautiful species we are indebted to 
Messrs. Loddiges, in whose nursery it first flowered in July, 1846. It is a native 
of Mexico, whence it was introduced by those gentlemen in 1844, and is certainly a 
good kind, deserving to be kept in every collection. 
In cultivation its treatment may be the same as that given to 0. Lanceanim, 
which this species somewhat approaches in habit. It should be placed in a pot of 
turfy heath-mould mixed with potsherds, filling the pot half full of drainage, and 
the soil elevated in the same manner as for Stanhopeas. It requires abundance 
of water and humidity during the season of growth, and must be well shaded from 
the rays of the sun. 
It is a very free flowerer, and grows with great freedom if properly managed ; 
and increase is effected by separating the pseudo-bulbs during the period of rest. 
The generic name is derived from ogkos, a tumour ; the plants belonging to this 
genus having warts, tumours, or other excrescences at the base of the labellum. 
