DENDROIÌIUM SUPERISI EN'S R,U. f.
lo trilobo, le
Bigibba. Caule cl.ito crasso, fol
clongatis, quaquavcrsis, men lo brevi ter
spatulatis obtiisis bene loiigioribus ; lai
bus quìnis, iicrvillis Ulcralibus plui-ibui
dorso serro latís, dcntibiis uniscriatis.
DENDRCIUIUM SUl'liUlilLNS Rchb. f. GarJ,
DENimuiiiUM SÜMNEKI. F. MUU. f r^. , vi
Scpala et tep.ik pallide [jurpurca vulgo a
purpurcoviolaeea;, discus albus. Columna ¡jiirpure.-i
Torres Straits, Goldie ! Sponl. lai^itus csl t
i,(limidiam lonsitudincm propc Imis, crassis.vaRinis purpnrcoslriatis : raccmis b^i arthi^is,
obscurc gibbo, sepalis ligulatis triaiigiilis n|iiculatis, latcralibiis subcurvi» : lepalis cuncalo
cxtroreis semiovalis, lobo indio obloiiuo obluso lato, liinc rciusiusculo ; nen'is principalisupra
., 1876, Oel.
nen'os principaloi! a basi in basin lacinia: mecllffi, ibi semioblonBO lamellato cIcvatU,
. Labellum pallide piirpurcura. Line.i:
Williams, qui plantóm
cxpansuni. l'igum; scqiicntcs ai la a latere. Pollini!
Or all the very numerous Dendrobes in cultivation there arc not many that possess such distinct characteristics as this
North Australian species and its very near relative D. Goldiei, which, indeed, is only regarded by some as a variety of U.
supcrbiens, so nearly does it resemble that species. In splendour of flower colouring and clegance of growth these two
Dendrobes have but few rivals, and their beauty is the more enjoyable bccause they flower, as a rule, when the majority
of other Dendrobes are without bloom. Denclrobium superbiens is a comparatively new Orchid, having l>een introduced
into Europe only about ten years ago. It is one of the choicest of the genus, and notwithstanding the fact that it does
not grow with such freedom as most others do, no orchidist likes to be without it. It is a member of that small group
of Dendrobes which inhabit the northern region of Australia, and which are the most southern outlying spcciesofa
genus whose headquarters are in the rich Orchid regions of Bunnah and Assam. These southern species do not,
as some suppose, require a sub-tropical treatment, on the contrary, they need all the
heat and bright sunshine that we, in these northern latitudes, can give them in order to
grow and flower them successfully, but the same treatinent that suits the majority of
Dendrobes will not be applicable in the case of D. superbiens and kindred siJccies. The
ill success attending the cultivation of this Orchid in some collections is often traceable to
improper treatinent in the matter of temperature and rest. In order to ensure strong
growth this Dendrobe must be grown in great heat, and in an unshaded house. The
tem|>erature from early spring, say March, when the plants begin to form new growths,
should range from 75 deg. to 80 deg. P., and a saturated atmosphere must be maintained,
otherwise weakly growths will be the result. The ventilators of the house should be
closed early in the afternoon so as to keep the temperature high and the atmosphere laden
with moisture. There is no better place in which to grow D. superbiens and D. Goldiei
tlian a small house where fine foliage plants such as Crotons are well grown, and the finest
specimens we have ever seen ^^•erc grown under such conditions. The hot and moist
treatment should be continued throughout the summer till about the end of August, when
the temperature decreases naturally, and the plants must then be kept drier for about six
weeks or two months. After this the plants should be removed to a warm and moist
house, such as that devoted to Phala;nopsitls, and should be watered occasionally
until the flowering time, which is generally in October. After flowering the plants
reciuire a long rest in a temperature ranging from 55 deg. to 60 deg. F. At the end of February the hot treatment must
be recommenced. The splendid S|Mkes of claret-purpie flowers are borne generally on the last season's ¡jseudo-bulbs,
but sometimes on the current season's growths. Being of firm texture the flowers remain in perfection a longtime
and arc therefore valuable for cutting.
on of F- G. Tauti, Esq., Sludley House, Goldha« k Koad, l.ondon.