TROPICAL AMERICAN ORCHIDS 
After an examination of the type specimens of the species 
proposed by Rolfe, Kranziin and Schlechter, it became very 
evident that they belonged to a single species. 
The flowers of Pleurothallis aperta are somewhat vari¬ 
able, but the chief discrepancies between descriptions are 
accounted for by the readiness with which the lateral sepals 
become free almost to the base, and in the petals being either 
2- or 3-nerved. 
I am unable to agree with Dr. Kranzlin’s treatment of 
the generic position of this species. Its affinities are surely 
with Pleurothallis, not with Masdevallia. [Fig. 5.] 
Costa Rica, C. II. Lankester 350. Flowering in I lort. 
Rot. Reg. Kew, July 3, 1916. (Type of Pleurothallis hamata 
Rolfe.); Rio Paquita above the San Marcos bridge, Endres, 
November-December. Flowers yellow striped with purple. 
(Type of Masdevallia aperta Kranzl.) 
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