On the Double Flower of Epidendrum 
vitellinum, Lindl. 
BY 
C. H. WRIGHT, 
Assistant in the Herbarium , Royal Gardens , Kew . 
With Plate XXIII. 
T HE perianth of the normal flower of Epidendrum vitel- 
linum, Lindl. (Fig. 1) consists of three equal sepals, 
and two lateral petals, broader than the sepals, and a smaller 
labellum. Both sepals and petals are orange-red, while the 
column and labellum are yellow. In the double flower (Fig. 2) 
the sepals are equal in size, but the two lateral ones have each 
a prominent keel, which is all but absent in the posterior one. 
The two lateral petals, instead of being broader than the 
sepals, as in the normal condition, are narrower than they. 
The labellum agrees in size, shape, and colour with the lateral 
petals, but its keel is more highly developed. The central 
portion of the flower is occupied by more or less petaloid 
organs. Of these the one opposite the posterior sepal (Fig. 9) 
is divided about two-thirds of the way down into two unequal 
segments, more or less expanded above. The inner margin 
of the larger segment is yellowish. The smaller segment is 
very slightly bifid at the apex, and is rolled forward so as to 
lie in front of the larger one. The base of this organ, which 
bears a few white hairs, is much thicker than that of either of 
[Annals of Botany, Vol. VIII. No. XXXII. December, 1894.] 
