H . i J
Psciiclobulbis stipiiatis fusiformi bui
oblongis aculis ; pctalis multo latioribiis o
tliscitm ; coluiiinn crassa superne dilatala ai
L / E L I A l'R/ES'I'ANS rm./.
•C (iM Serres, t, igoo ; Hol. Mai;., t 549«.
iiatala, aiiriculis posticis apicularibus sibi incLiiibenijbus.
r, ,n Beri. Allg. Garletucit, ,857, p. 336 : Lindi., Gnr,I. Chron,, .85O.
C. Lem. in Illusi. Horf., tSjg, t. 10%.
f. iti Walp, Ann., VI., p. 435 , id, Xi^nia Orci,. II., p. 43, t. , ,4.
THIS Lxlia is very appropriately named, being pre-eminent in beauty in its class and distinguished in shape, surpassins
all other dwarf Ljelias ia the section to which it belongs. It has always been rare in collections from the fact that only
few plant.s can be foiind in its native habitat, where it is confined to a fe>v small woods in the province of Santa
Catharina. After ve.y diligent search, one of our collectors obtained about one hundred plants, most of which blossomed
in our nurseries, maknig two growths the first year atul flo\\'ering on each. It is a very variable species as regards
colouring, a brilliant dark rose, however, predominating; in a few varieties the yellow colouring of the Interior of the
labelliim replaced by dark rosy crimson. It is an evergreen species, with fusiform pseudo-bulbs about six to nine
inches in height, thick and rounded, bearing solitary thick leaves. The flowers arc borne singly on the newly-tlcveloped
groM'ths. The sepals are lanceolate, the two lower ones more or less sci in I tar-shaped ; the petals broiidly ovate, both
brightly and deeply coloured rose; labelium trumpet-shaped convolute; front and side lobes rich purple, with a short,
line in centre, sometimes replaced by a small white blotch ; throat orange-yellow, suffusing the outer
brand
surface.
A more beautiful gem than this it would be difficult to find in the whole of the princcly order to which It belongs.
I t s culture is easy, the cool house being best suited to its retiiiireinents, excepting in the case of late autumn or winter
growths, which are best developed in the cool end of the Cattleya Iiouse. It may be grown in pans or baskets, and
potted in the usual I.iclia compost. The plants should at all times be kept clean and free of insect pests.
>11 of Charic, W. I.ca, Esq., Parkliekl, Hallo«-, WorccHcr.