entire at the edge, truncated, or rounded and taper at the
extremity, of a more deep green colour than the calyx, and
often stained above with brownish purple. Lip convex,
spreading, and in the majority of specimens undivided at
the margin, which is however not rarely 4-lobed. Gland
in the sinus of the lip observable in both varieties. Colour
of the lip at first intense brown, becoming pale and
unequal as the flowering advances. Disk livid, blueish or
brown upon a green or straw-coloured ground, often marked
by an oblong, downy spot. Column directed forwards,
short; its point blunt, inflexed.
Local observation alone will determine the synonyms
belonging to this plant. We quote that of English Flora.
Sir J. E. Smith, who first described the species, observes
upon Rudbeck’s figure that the petals are too narrow.
Our figure ( a .) taken from a living specimen may account
for this apparent error; but it is probable that in the specimen
examined by Rudbeck the petals were revolute in
decay, or, as they are often inclined to be, folded back in
the same manner as in Kentish specimens of S. apifera.
—Rev. G. E. Smith, B.A.