146 
GALEANDRA DEVONIANA. 
of Barcellos, or Marina, we found it growing in large clusters on the trees which 
lined the river, sometimes on the Mauritia aculeata , or even on the ground, where 
the soil consisted of vegetable mould. It was so luxuriant in growth, that some of 
the large clusters of stems which sprouted from a common root were from ten to 
twelve feet in circumference. The stems were often from five to six feet high ; at the 
lower part almost of a purple appearance, and changing into green higher up.” 
Messrs. Loddiges, with whom it first flowered, about the month of May 1840, 
have since had it in bloom several times, and it appears to be a most profuse- 
blooming species. These gentlemen treat it as the larger kinds of Dendrobium , 
potting it in heath-soil mixed with potsherds, and keeping it constantly in a warm 
humid atmosphere. Specimens are 
likewise suspended from the roof of 
the house on blocks of wood : but it 
is too spreading a plant, or grows to 
too great a height, to admit of being 
generally cultivated in this manner. 
Like the rest of the Orchidaceae, it is 
increased by offsets. The annexed 
wood-cut represents its habit. 
The name Galeandra was applied 
by Dr. Lindley, probably in allusion 
to the helmet-shaped labellum of the 
flowers. 
Regardingthe specific appellation, 
M. Schomburgk writes, in the work 
already quoted, — “ As its flower is 
not only larger than the generality 
of its tribe, but handsome, I availed 
myself the readier of this opportunity 
to request the permission of His Grace 
the Duke of Devonshire that I might 
call it in honour of him, who not only 
is known as one of the most success- 
ful cultivators of this, one of the most interesting tribes among Monocotyledonous 
plants, but of whose urbanity and condescension I have personally experienced 
numerous proofs since my return to Europe.” 
