ORCIIIDACEAE QUAEDAM AMERICANAE 
densely glandular-pubescent. Ovary triangular in cross- 
section, three-celled. Sepals about 19 mm. long, the laterals 
coalescent nearly to the apex, 1 cm. wide, elliptical, acute, 
glandular-pubescent. Petals linear-oblong, abruptly acute, 
19 mm. long, about 2 mm. wide near the base, spreading 
and slightly deflexed, sparsely pubescent on the dorsal 
surface along the midnerve, densely glandular-pubescent 
near the base on the inner surface. Labellum about 2.4 cm. 
long, 18 mm. wide, calceiform, suggesting Paphiopedilum 
Schlimii Pfitz., but with a much larger opening, margins 
strongly involute to form a circular orifice 8 mm. across, 
densely glandular-hairy within beneath the gynostemium. 
Gynostemium inconspicuous, staminodium about 5 mm. long, 
spatulate, obtuse, slightly exceeding the stigma, smooth; 
stigma wider than the staminodium, pentagonal, densely 
papillose, trisulcate; anthers prominent at the base of the 
staminodium, with the pollen forming spherical bodies. 
Capsules blackish in dried specimens, slenderly fusiform, 
pubescent, about 4 cm. long, 2 mm. in diameter. 
This extraordinary species has remained in doubt ever 
since it was described and figured by Reichenbach in 1854. 
In fact, recent monographic treatments of the Diandrae 
have indicated dependence on the original plate and descrip¬ 
tion of Selenipedium chica for a knowledge of its characters. 
Specimens were first obtained by Duchassaing, who secured 
them from an Indian chief in the mountains of Panama, 
where the species was said to be known as “Vanilla en 
Arbol,” because the fruits yielded a flavoring substance sug¬ 
gestive of Vanilla, or used like Vanilla. 
Ellsworth P. Killip obtained specimens on Ancon Hill, 
Panama, in 1917, but as the flowers of his material that I 
have examined are so much larger than the flowers figured 
by Reichenbach, I was for a long time uncertain about their 
relationship to Selenipedium chica. The most recent collec¬ 
tions are those of Mr. C. W. Powell. These consist of leafy 
stems and alcoholized flowers. To Mr. Powell I am indebted 
for the opportunity to give the above description and to 
have prepared an accurate drawing of the plant. I am also 
indebted to Mr. Powell for data which remove all doubt as 
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