L ^ L I A ANCEPS LML I'ERCIVAI.IANA ÄV», /
ANCIiPS Lindl: pseudobulbis oblongotctinquctris mono — diphyllis, pcdunculo nncipiii de
ovuria gluUnosik feqiiiinlibiis, labcllo trificio, laciniis latcralibiis oblongo Irranguli.« involulis, 1a
ANCEI'S, Lindl. Bot. Kcg., xxi., lab. i;sil; Hoolc. BoU Mag., tab. 3S041; l'axt. M.ng. iv., t:
clalus, anceps, apice luii — quadriflonis. Scpala li'gulaU
'leraquc ad Kuropair
! : scpalis lepalisque roseis, I.
nticc purpureoviolacea. (In ijar<i. L
b. l'crcival, Soutliport Dein nupcr
Figura; analytic •.. Colcmna anlicc. UP; liijura; paulispor adauctfc.
FOR many years the queen of the L®Iias, as Lalia ancep.s undoubtedly is, has been one of the greatest treasures of the
orchiclist. The exquisite beauty of its flowers combined with its elegant growth make it one of the most valuable Orchids
in cultivation, and flowering as it does in the depth of winter its value is enhanced. For a long time after its introduction
to European gardens but little variation occurred among the imported plants, but after a while some decidedly distinct
forms made their appearance. First, there was a very dark coloured form, which is still unsurpassed in depth of colour of
sepals and lip. This was first flowered by Mr. Rarker, of Birmingham, and is named Darkeriana. It is a rare and highly
prized variety. Then appeared another variety of extraordinary beauty, totally diflerent from both the original form and
Barkeriana. It flowered first in the late Mr. Dawson's collection in Scotland in 1868, and is named Dawsoni; this is known
so well by orehidists that no description of it is necessary. During the last ten years a numerous series of varieties have
been introduced to Europe, chiefly through the exertions of our own collectors, who were sent to explore new localities in
Mexico and instructed to collect only plants representing a decided variation from the original form ; the result being that
there are now about a dozen different varieties, every one possessing great beauty. One has spotless white flowers, and is
named alba. Stella has bold large flowers with penciliings of colour in the lip. Sanderiana most nearly resembles the
lovely Dawsoni, and is, perhaps, only a geographical form of the same variety. The names of othei-s are Schrcederiana,
ro.sea, delicata, vestalis, Hilliana, AVilliamsiana, Lecana and Percivaliana, the last being the variety herewith figured.
This plant is singularly distinct from any other variety. The sepals and petals are rather narrow and the labellum
is blunt, and this, combined with the peculiar arrangement of the tints, readily distinguishes it from other forms.
It was first flowered by the late Mr. R. P. Percival, of Southport, who was exceptionally successful in the culture of
Lielias and Cattleyas, and of this particular variety he possessed gigantic specimens which bore dozens of flower spikes
every season. When the Percival collection was dispersed two specimens of this I-slia were sold respectively for
75 guineas and loo guineas. The original plant of Percival's Lielia was discovered and sent home by one of our
collectors, who found it on the moimfain ranges near Orizaba, in Mexico, and Mr. Percival was the purchaser of tliis
particular plant.
The culture of Lailia anccps is now well understood, and it may be classed among the easily managed Orchids.
It succeeds best in a Cattleya house with a temperature ranging from 55 deg. in winter to 75 deg, F. with sun heat in
summer. It is best grown in a suspended basket or shallow pan, planted in the usual light Orchid compost. Active
growth commences a few weeks after the flowering season is past, which, in the case of Percival's variety, is in February.
The pseudo-bulbs will then begin to send out numerous small roots, and as .soon as these are perceived the plant must
have abundance of moisture, sunlight and air. During active growth it is beneficial to this as well as to other Orchids
grown under similar conditions to close the house for a few hours during the afternoon so as to enable the plants to
benefit by the warm moisture laden atmosphere, but during the summer the hou.se should be ventilated at night.
Throughout the summer until autumn the plants must have plenty of water, but during October and November they
should be kept dry and cool in order to give them a decided rest. When the Rower spikes are forming in autumn great
care must be exercised in watering, for if the plants receive too little the spikes will be impaired in vigour, and if too
much danger may be apprehended from excessive dampness.
Prepared from a planl in the collcction of A. Wilson, Enq., W
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Hlilll 1