ORCHIDACEAE. 331 
A very extensive and distinct family, found in almost all parts of the world, but 
rare or absent in extreme northern or southern latitudes, and on the tops of high alpine 
mountains. Most of the species found in temperate countries are terrestrial; but in 
the tropics the greater number are epiphytes, growing upon the branches or trunks of trees 
or on rocks. The genera are estimated at 425, the species between 5500 or 6000. 
Notwithstanding the great extent of the family, it is singularly deficient in useful 
plants. The only one possessing any commercial importance is vanilla, the scented 
pods of which are used for flavouring delicate dishes or liqueurs. The great beauty 
and singularity of the flowers of many of the tropical species have caused them to be 
extensively cultivated in hothouses, and probably over 2000 distinct species are now 
grown by European horticulturists. 
The close affinity existing between the flora of New Zealand and that of Australia 
is nowhere better shown than in the Orchideae. Out of 21 genera found in New Zealand, 
20 occur in Australia as well, and 8 are absolutely confined to the two countries, while 
several others have a very limited additional range. The only genera with a wide 
distribution are Dendrobium, Bulbophyllum, and Spiranthes. Harina, which does not 
occur in Australia, is found in the Pacific islands. 
A. Evpiphytes with creeping rhizomes, perennial stems, and evergreen leaves, Pollinia 
waxy, free or attached by caudicles to the rostellum., 
* Pollinia free. 
The New Zealand species with slender much-branched stems, no 
pseudobulbs, and axillary flowers. Lateral sepals and lip adnate 
to the base of the column .. ae > wis .. 1, DENDROBIUM. 
The New Zealand species forming small matted patches on the 
trunks of trees, furnished with pseudobulbs. Flowers on a scape 
rising from the base of the pseudobulb. Lip jointed on to the 
base of the column, mobile oe mn af w 
Stems leafy, unbranched. Flowers in terminal panicles. Lateral 
sepals free. Lip 3-lobed .. oad ate + .. 93. HARINA. 
2. BULBOPHYLLUM, 
** Pollinia attached to the rostellum by a caudicle. 
Stems short, leaves few. Flowers small, in lateral racemes, Lip 
3-lobed .. a as qe - os .. 4, SARCOCHILUS. 
B. Terrestrial, with tuberous roots and annual stems. Pollinia granular or powdery. 
* Leaves long, very narrow-linear, flat or terete. 
a. Leaves more than one. 
Flowers numerous, on a spirally twisted spike. Dorsal sepal and 
petals connivent into a hood. Lip undivided “i 3 
Flowers several, spicate. Dorsal sepal broad, hooded; lateral 
linear or filiform, erect. Lip 3-lobed A te .. 7, ORTHOCERAS, 
b. Leaf solitary. 
Sepals, petals, and lip all similar in shape, petaloid. Column very 
short, not attached to the lip at the base... a . 
Dorsal sepal concave. Petals much smaller. Surface of lip covered 
with long hairs. Column very short “4 * ; 
Dorsal sepal concave. Lip uppermost, undivided, usually with an 
adnate gland on the disc. Column very short, with two lateral 
erect appendages 55 of = i ; 
Dorsal sepal concave. Lip below, entire or 2-lobed. Column very 
short .. 4 ar “ FS 23 ‘ 
Sepals and petals all linear, Lip uppermost, articulate, clawed ; 
lamina peltate, irritable and mobile. Column long, winged .. 10. CALEANA. 
Sepals and petals narrow. Lip entire or 3-lobed, not jointed or 
irritable, dise with glandular processes, margin often fringed. 
Column long, winged above 2. *. a .. 16. CALADENIA. 
5. SPIRANTHES. 
6. THELYMITRA. 
14. CALOCHIUUS. 
9, PRASOPHYLLUM, 
8. MIcROTIS. 
** Leaves shorter, two or several, oblong or lanceolate or linear, 
Leaves numerous; radical broad, sometimes wanting; cauline 
narrow. Flowers hood-shaped, green. Laterai sepals united 
at the base. Lip narrow, irritable, with a basal appendage .. 11, Prmrosry tts. 
