SOBRALIA MACRANTHA SPLENDENS. 
(Splendid Large-flowered Sobralia.) 
Class. 
GYNANDRIA. 
Natural Order. 
ORCHIDACEAE. 
sneric Character. — Perianth large, coloured, 
r dy equal. Sepals spreading, sometimes reflexed. 
2 ils erect. Lip hollow, clasping the column, narrow 
a le base, margins plaited, at the top somewhat two- 
1 d. Column elongate, marginate, club-shaped, 
a rated at the top into three lobes, middle lobe hood- 
1 , and bearing the anthers. Stigma marginate, 
1 ing two nectariferous glands at the base. Anthers 
t flnal, stipitate, partly four-celled. Pollen-masses 
i •, compressed, pulverulent. 
Order. 
MONANDRIA. 
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 
£ius Sobralia is one of the most remarkable among Orchidacese, with its lofty 
i dy stems, large lily-like flowers, and stiff plaited leaves, which resemble those of 
t smaller kinds of Palm-tree. It is found in Peru, in Brazil, and in Mexico, 
iere the species are amongst the most stately inhabitants of the bush. They 
c sist of terrestrial perennial plants, with simple roots, and stems not uncommonly 
f wing three times as high as a man, very rarely branched, and thickly clothed with 
Ives. Their inflorescence consists of terminal racemes, which are straight or 
f mose, sometimes axillary and bifid, and loaded with snow-white, pink, crimson 
( violet flowers. The lip of all the species is wrapped round the column, whence it 
nears as if funnel-shaped, and is bordered by a lacerated fringed edge. The 
£ cies inhabit dry, sunny, rocky, and very hot places, where they often form exten- 
£3 thickets. A few are sweet-scented; and of some the flowers last for only a 
| >rt time.” 
For the opportunity of figuring the subject of our present plate we are indebted 
t Messrs. Bollisson’s, of Tooting, in whose nursery this magnificent species flowered 
July last. These gentlemen came into possession of it about two years ago, 
ing purchased it amongst other plants at one of the sales of South- American 
( ;hids 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 
