acuminate^ undulating, the lateral ones very large (about two inches 
and a half broad) free, contracted at the base, semi-cordate, when first 
expanded resembling the wings of a bat, afterwards becoming flaccid. 
Petals lanceolate, undulate, flexuose, directed towards the helmet of 
the lip. Labellum fleshy, two inches and a half long, unguiculate, 
spotted with yellow and purple; hypochilium dilated, the sides in- 
flexed, helmet-shaped, rounded externally, passing into a narrow chan¬ 
nelled mesochilium; the epichilium very large, less fleshy, helmet- 
shaped, the ovate apex inflexed. Column free, furnished at the base 
with two elongated horns which distil a liquid, the apex club-shaped 
and recurved, the margins prolonged into wings. Stigma with a 
transverse cleft. 
Popular AND Geographical Notice. The woods of Demarara 
have the trunks of the trees frequently ornamented with the pendant 
flowers of this most singular plant. As if to form a contrast with the 
nearly regular flower of the Paxtonia rosea, which we lately figured, 
the parts of the flower assume every possible peculiarity, rendering 
the spectator doubtful wdiether he be looking at a flower, insect, or a 
bird. The lip is furnished near its base with a yellow cup, over 
which hang two horns constantly distilling water into it, and in such 
abundance as to fill it several times; this cup communicates by a nar¬ 
row channel formed of the inflated margin of the lip, with the upper 
end of the latter, and this also is a capacious vessel very much like an 
old helmet, into which the honey that the cup cannot contain may run 
over.” The object of this secretion probably is to attract insects or 
birds, which by the disturbance they cause in extracting the honied 
fluid, aid in the fertilization of the seeds. Robert Brown believes 
that many orchidaceous plants, except Ophrys and its kindred, are 
dependant on insects for accomplishing the process of fertilization. 
Humming birds, with their long slender bills appear likewise to con¬ 
tribute to this object, and their small size and lightness seem to fit 
them well for this ofiice. (See Kalin’s Travels in N. America, Vol. II, 
p. 354.) 
Introduction; Where grown; Culture. Sent in 1829, by 
James Ankers, Esq. to C. S. Parker, Esq. Liverpool. Our specimen 
grew in the inexhaustible store of Messrs. Loddiges. It requires to be 
suspended in the damp stove. 
Derivation of the Names. 
CoRYANTHES, fi’om KOpjxQ a helmet, and avQoq a flower. Maculata, from mac- 
ulata, spot. 
Synonyme. 
CoRYANTHEs MACULATA. Hookei: Bot. Mag. t. 3102, Bindley, Botanical 
Register, t. 1793. 
