A Monograph of Odontoglossum

Plate X.

ODONTOGLOSSUM CARINIFERUM, Reichb. fil

O. (Xanthoglossum) pseudobulbis oblongis 1-2-phyllis, foliis loratis scapo paniculato brevioribus, sepalis petalisque oblongis acutiusculis basi subcuneatis dorso carinâ crassâ auctis pergameneis, labello membranaceo sessili ligulato dimidio anteriori subito in laminam reniformem denticulatam medio antice apiculatam extenso, lamellis rhombeis extrorsum biquadridentatis supinis utrinque in ligulâ labelli basilari, raphi utriusque lamellæ carinatâ antrorsum in tres digitos excurrente, columnâ elongatâ, alis elongatis crenulatis hyalinis inferioribus 2 utrinque obtusatis, crassioribus columnâ vix marginatâ. (Reichb. fil. in Bot. Zeitung, 1852, p. 638.)

Odontoglossum cariniferum, Lindl. Fol. Orch.

Habitat in America centrali, Reichenbach.

Pseudobulbs 3 or 4 inches long, oblong, smooth, bearing 2 broadish, leathery, sharp-pointed Leaves. Scape longer than the leaf, panicled with zigzag branches. Bracts triangular, short. Sepals and Petals 1 inch long, greenish outside, but of a purplish-brown inside, distinctly keeled at the back. Lip yellowish-white, sessile, ligulate at its base, but suddenly changing into a broad reniform plate, which is apiculate in front, and at its base adjoins the crest, which consists of 2 nearly prostrate, irregularly toothed, rhomboid lobes on either side, with 3 finger-like processes in front. Column elongated, with transparent crenulate wings, its anther-bed scarcely margined.

For the opportunity of figuring this pretty Odontoglossum I am indebted to the kindness of the Bishop of Winchester, in whose collection at Farnham Castle it flowered profusely in November last. A fortnight afterwards I also received specimens from Mr. Rucker, but the flowers of his variety were scarcely so bright in their colouring as those of the Bishop's plant.

O. cariniferum, although now figured for the first time, appears to have been introduced several years ago to German collections, and from some of these it has, no doubt, found its way to England. It is a native of Central America, where it probably affects a high elevation, as it succeeds perfectly under cool treatment, both at Farnham Castle and at West Hill. Its flowers continue in perfection for many weeks.

Dissections. – 1. Front view of lip and column; 2. Side view of ditto: magnified.

Plate XI.

ODONTOGLOSSUM LINDLEYANUM

O. (Euodontoglossum, Lindl.) pseudobulbis ovato-oblongis compressis diphyllis, foliis lanceolatis subcoriaceis acutis scapo racemoso multi-(5-12)floro vix brevioribus, sepalis petalisque lineari-lanceolatis acuminatis subæqualibus, labello angusto unguiculato hastato utroque latere angulato in disco bifalcigero basi per carinam cum columnâ connato. Columna tomentosa, auriculis erectis angustis acuminatis.

Odontoglossum Lindleyanum, Reichenbach fil.: Warsz. Bonpl. ii. 69; Reichenbach, Xenia Orch. t. 71; Walpers, Annales. vi. fasc. 6.

Odontoglossum epidendroides, Lindl. fil. (non Hb. Kth. N.G.).

Habitat in Pamplona (in sylvis humidis), 8500 ft., Linden; Ocaña, 9000 ft., Schlim; Ocaña (floribus majoribus), Wagener; Bogotá, Weir.

Pseudobulbs about 3 inches long, ovate-oblong, compressed, 2-leaved, sometimes a little spotted. Leaves lanceolate, from a span to a foot long, rather leathery, sharp-pointed. Raceme rather longer than the leaves, bearing from half-a-dozen to a dozen flowers. Bracts oblong, acute, about one-third the length of the ovary. Sepals and Petals nearly equal, an inch or more long, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, of a yellowish-green, with a few large chestnut blotches, the arrangement of which varies in different specimens. Lip shorter than the petals, narrow, unguiculate, hastate, 3-lobed; the lateral lobes forming two blunt angles, the middle lobe longer, linear-lanceolate, deflexed, with two large upright slightly-curved horns placed on either side of the disk; at its base the lip is keeled and united with the column after the fashion of the Trichopilias; its colour is usually a pale yellow or yellowish-white with large chestnut bands. Column downy, furnished near the summit with two narrow erect upright acuminate auricles.

The name of this plant, associated as it is with the memory of the distinguished botanist who has lately passed from among us, is to me suggestive of the most melancholy reflections. Mourn indeed I must, the loss of one who had been my steady friend for five-and-thirty years, and by whose labours among the members of my favourite tribe, I have been enabled to follow a pursuit that has never ceased to be a joy and solace amid all the cares and vicissitudes of life!7

O. Lindleyanum was so named by Professor Reichenbach, in honour of the great Orchidist whose mantle seems now to have fallen upon himself. It is closely allied to the O. epidendroides of Humboldt and Kunth, from which indeed Dr. Lindley failed to distinguish it, but if the characters of the two species, as represented in the 'Xenia,' prove to be constant, no doubt the German Professor was right in separating them.

Several travellers, including Schlim, Wagener, Warszewicz, and Weir, appear to have met with the plant in various localities in New Granada, but always at a great elevation, hence it must of course be classed among the coolest section of Orchids. It has flowered in the gardens of the Horticultural Society, to which it was sent by their zealous collector Mr. Weir, and also in the collection of Mr. Rucker, where Mr. Fitch made his drawing in the spring of last year (1865).

Dissections. – 1. Lip and column, seen sideways; 2. Ditto seen in front: magnified.

Plate XII.

ODONTOGLOSSUM GLORIOSUM

O. (Euodontoglossum, Lindl.) pseudobulbis ovatis confertis diphyllis, foliis lato-lanceolatis acutis scapo valido paniculato multifloro brevioribus, sepalis petalisque oblongo-ligulatis acuminatis stellatis, labello a basi cordatâ ligulato acuminato, basin versus utrinque angulato, ceterum hinc illinc denticulato, callo depresso quadrilobulo nunc quadridentato ante basin, columnâ clavatâ apice utrinque cirrho setaceo medio inferne unidentato.

Odontoglossum Gloriosum, Reichenbach fil. Bonpl. ii. 278; idem in Gardeners' Chronicle (New Plants, n. 293, 1865), et in Walpers, Annales, vi. fasc. 6.

Habitat in N. Granada, Soto. 8-9000 p., Schlim; Ocaña, 6000 p., Wagener; Bogotá, Weir.

Pseudobulbs ovate, 2-leaved, growing closely together, 3 or 4 inches long, turning to a dark colour when old. Leaves broadly-lanceolate, acute, shorter than the stout much-branched many-flowered panicle. Flowers exceedingly variable in size and form and colour; the example in the Plate representing one of the largest varieties, and the vignette one of the least. Usually they are about 2 inches across, of a pale ochrish or greenish-yellow, blotched, or sometimes minutely spotted, with dark-chestnut. Sepals and Petals nearly equal, lanceolate, acute (often narrower than in the figure), slightly waved. Lip ligulate, smooth (not crisp) at the margin, very much attenuated in front, but heart-shaped at the base, towards which it is abruptly carinate, and furnished with 2 upright large sharp double teeth. Column clavate, with hairy cirrhi on either side near its apex, and a solitary tooth near the middle.

This remarkable Odontoglossum was long since discovered in New Granada by Schlim and Wagener, in whose herbaria its stately many-flowered panicles formed so striking a feature that Professor Reichenbach did not hesitate to give the plant the name of gloriosum; an epithet which – now that we have the plant amongst us in a living state – may perhaps be thought to be somewhat beyond its merits. It must indeed be admitted that the fresh blossoms, which are of a faint yellowish-green, scarcely realize the expectations which the rich colour and profusion of flowers in the dried specimens had very naturally raised. Nor are all the varieties of equal merit, some being much smaller and paler than others.

The species has lately been imported in large quantities, both by Messrs. H. Low and Co., of Clapton, and by the Horticultural Society, who received it in 1864 from Mr. Weir, by whom it was gathered in the neighbourhood of Bogotá. It flowers freely, and at all seasons of the year; nor does it appear to care so much as many of its congeners for a few degrees more or less of heat or cold. I believe it has already bloomed in almost every collection of note; though the spikes, as was of course to be expected, are as yet far from equal to the wild specimens.8 The figure was taken from a plant in Mr. Day's garden, where I saw, in November last, nearly a dozen distinct varieties in blow, some of them rivalling the example given in the Plate, while others were as insignificant as that which is shown in the vignette. The blossoms continue fresh for at least a fortnight, and emit a pleasant honey-like scent.

Plate XIII. a.

ODONTOGLOSSUM WARNERIANUM,

O. (Leucoglossum, Lindl.) pseudobulbis subelongatis compressis monophyllis, foliis membranaceis oblongis in petiolum canaliculatum angustatis scapo 2-6-floro brevioribus, bracteis uncialibus acuminatis, sepalis lineari-lanceolatis acutis, petalis latioribus undulatis, labelli callo cuneato ovato, antice abrupte trilobo, lobis lateralibus angulatis, lobo medio forcipato bicruri, longiori, lateribus calli a basi versus apicem involutis, laminâ cordato-triangulâ obtusâ, margine minute crispulâ crenulatâ, columnâ gracili clavatâ apterâ.

Odontoglossum Warnerianum, Reichenbach fil. in Mohl and Schl. Bot. Zeit. 1864, 297; idem in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1865, New Plants, n. 294.

Habitat in Mexico (?).

Pseudobulbs rather long and narrow, compressed, about 3 inches in length. Leaves, one on each pseudobulb, less than a span long, membranous, sharp-pointed, narrowed at the base into a channelled petiole. Bracts about an inch long, scariose, very acuminate. Scape longer than the leaves, only partially covered by the bracts, bearing from 2 to half-a-dozen flowers of a very delicate texture, and of snowy whiteness with the exception of the yellow crest on the lip and a few brown blotches on the lower half of the sepals and (though in a less degree) of the petals also. Sepals rather narrow, oblong, acute. Petals broader than the sepals and waved at the margin. Lip with a heart-shaped crenulate plate (occasionally suffused with a rosy tint), and a yellow 3-lobed callus at its base, the front portion of which is longer than the lateral ones (which are turned inwards from the base upwards), and split into two divergent members. Column slender, clavate, wingless.

This pretty species was first described by Professor Reichenbach, from materials derived from the collection of Mr. Warner, of Broomfield, in compliment to whom he named it. It also flowered with the late Mr. Cauty, of Liverpool, who kindly sent me the specimens from which the figure was prepared, but these were smaller and less rich in their colouring than those of Mr. Warner.

We have no precise information as to the locality where O. Warnerianum grows wild, but there can be no doubt that it comes from some part of Mexico, whence we have other species, e. g. O. Rossii, O. Ehrenbergii, and O. nebulosum, to all of which it is nearly allied. It flowers in the later autumn and winter months, but like most of the other members of its section (Leucoglossum), is of a delicate habit, and requires to be very carefully handled. It seems to prefer a moderate heat and perhaps a slightly drier atmosphere than that in which the New Granada and Peruvian Odontoglossa evidently delight; the compost or materials in which the roots grow, should on no account be allowed to become sodden.

Dissections. – 1. Lip and column (magnified), seen in front; 2. Ditto, seen sideways.

Plate XIII. b.

ODONTOGLOSSUM STELLATUM

O. (Leucoglossum, Lindl.) pseudobulbis ovalibus compressis, foliis solitariis lanceolatis recurvis, scapis erectis 1-2-floris brevioribus, bracteis ovarii triquetri medium non attingentibus, sepalis petalisque æqualibus linearibus acuminatis herbaceis, labello rhomboideo subrotundo grosse dentato appendice unguis truncatâ quadridentatâ apice liberâ.

Odontoglossum stellatum, Lindl. in Bot. Reg. 1841, Misc. 25; Fol. Orch. n. 18.

Odontoglossum erosum, Reichenbach fil. Bonpl. ii. 99; A. Rich. Gal. in Ann. Sc. Nat. Jan. 1845.

Habitat in Guatemala, Skinner; Mexico, Hartweg; Veraguas, Warszewicz.

Pseudobulbs oval, compressed, about an inch long, glossy, bearing solitary lanceolate somewhat recurved Leaves, which are shorter than the upright 1-(rarely 2-)flowered Scapes. Bracts not half so long as the three-cornered ovary. Sepals and Petals equal, linear, acuminate, of a dull olive-green, with a few faint transverse streaks of brown on their inner side. Lip white, rhomboidal, subrotund, with its edges eroded, and its unguis, or claw, hollow, truncate, free, and divided at top into two, or rather into four lobes, the two foremost of which resemble teeth. Column slender, wingless.

There is an air of quaintness about this little Odontoglossum which, insignificant though it be, is spread over a range of territory far more extensive than is occupied by any other member of the genus; for it has been found in Mexico by Hartweg, in Guatemala (on the Volcan del Fuego) by Skinner, and in Veraguas by Warszewicz!

At Knypersley, where the figure was taken, the species flowers freely in the winter and spring, and is managed (in a cool house) without the slightest difficulty.

Dissections. – 1. Column and lip (magnified), seen sideways; 2. Ditto, ditto, in front.

Plate XIV.

ODONTOGLOSSUM ALEXANDRÆ

O. (Isanthium, Lindl.) pseudobulbis ovatis compressis 1- vel 2-phyllis, racemo simplici multifloro foliis subæquali, bracteis minoribus cochleatis acutis, floribus membranaceis pedicellis æquantibus, sepalis petalisque sæpius subæqualibus (interdum petalis multo latioribus), sepalis lanceolatis acuminatis petalis ovato-lanceolatis acutis undulato-laceris, labello breviore unguiculato formâ diversissimâ, nunc sepalis conformi nunc subpanduriformi, apice emarginato (sæpius mucrone adjecto) margine undulato integro vel sæpius dentato acuto apice recurvo, disco maculato, cristâ simplici bilamellatâ. Columna arcuata clavata, alata, alis laceris.

Odontoglossum Alexandræ, Bateman in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1864; et in Proceedings R. Hort. Soc. p. 186 (1864).

Odontoglossum Bluntii, Reichenbach fil.

Habitat in Nov. Granada, prope Pacho, 7-8000 p., Weir, Blunt.

An Epiphyte. Pseudobulbs smooth, slightly compressed, sometimes broadly ovate, but occasionally tapering, 2 to 3 inches long, and bearing 1 or 2 linear lanceolate-pointed Leaves, which are from a few inches to a foot long, and frequently of rather lax character; a reddish tint is also sometimes met with both in the leaves and pseudobulbs. Racemes always simple, about the length of – sometimes longer than – the leaves, and carrying from two or three to a dozen or more large membranous and beautiful Flowers, which vary exceedingly both in size, form, and colouring. Usually they are from 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and about equal to the pedicels. Bracts about half an inch long, pointed, fitting close to the stem. Sepals lanceolate acuminate, white or rosy-white, with sometimes one or more brown or purple spots on each. Petals usually – though not invariably – wider than the sepals, and resembling them in form and colour, but destitute of spots; both in the sepals and petals the edges are usually more or less curled or waved. Lip recurved at the apex, exceedingly variable in its outline; in some examples almost exactly resembling the sepals, in others taking more or less a panduriform shape (in which case the apex, instead of pointed, is round, emarginate, with a point or mucro); the edges too, which are sometimes entire, are much more frequently jagged or toothed; the short unguis, or claw, is longitudinally callose; and where it expands into the disk, ends in two straight pointed and diverging teeth, which, like the claw, are yellow, the rest of the lip being white, with or without spots of the same character as those found in the sepals; there are a few red or brown lines which radiate or spread out like a fan on either side of the teeth composing the crest, but they do not, as in O. Pescatorei, form a detached flap. Column short, arched, club-shaped, with broad truncate wings that are more or less jagged or fringed.

This most charming Odontoglossum was discovered in 1863 by Mr. Weir, at an elevation of from 7000 to 8000 feet, in the gloomy forests that clothe the slopes of the lofty mountain-ranges at the rear of the City of Santa Fé de Bogotá. As the wild specimens of the flowers that he sent home to the Horticultural Society indicated not only a new species, but one of surpassing beauty, I did not hesitate at once to dedicate it to the illustrious Princess whose name it will henceforth bear. Since the first description of the plant appeared in the 'Gardeners' Chronicle' many living plants have been received both by the Royal Horticultural Society and by Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., of Clapton, several of which have bloomed and, even in their first feeble attempts to flower, have more than justified the very high expectations formed of the plant which, as it gathers strength, cannot fail to become an established favourite with all Orchid-lovers.

It proves to be a most variable species, and I am not surprised that my accomplished friend Professor Reichenbach should have considered the first examples sent to him from Clapton to differ so materially from those of O. Alexandræ, as described by myself, as to justify his regarding them as a distinct form, to which, in honour of Messrs. Low's very zealous collector, he gave the designation of Bluntii. Since then, however, so many intermediate varieties have made their appearance that it is clearly impossible to regard the two supposed species as really distinct.

Specimens of the plant have been sent to me by Messrs. Low, Mr. W. W. Buller, Mr. Rucker, Mr. Day, and Mr. Paterson; it has also flowered at Knypersley, but as yet no two specimens have been alike for, while some were beautifully spotted on the lip and petals with brown or crimson, others, with the exception of the golden crest on the labellum, were of the purest white. To the last-named class belonged the specimens grown by Mr. Buller and Mr. Paterson, the latter of which were so eminently lovely that they will form the subject of a separate Plate. Mr. Blunt's name may very properly be associated with the spotted variety now figured, and which was taken from a plant that he sent to his employers at Clapton.

O. Alexandræ is nearly allied to O. crispum and O. Pescatorei; but, independently of the structure of its flowers, differs from both in its invariably producing simple racemes instead of branched panicles. It flowers freely in the winter and spring months, and may apparently be cultivated with the greatest ease. Of course, coming as it does from a great elevation, it must not be kept too warm.

Dissections. – 1. Lip and column (magnified), seen in front. 2. Ditto, ditto, seen sideways.

Plate XV.

ODONTOGLOSSUM REICHENHEIMII

O. (Isanthium, Lindl.) pseudobulbis oblongis aggregatis diphyllis vix sulcatis, foliis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis scapo maculato laxe paniculato 3-plo brevioribus, bracteis brevibus membranaceis, sepalis petalisque subæqualibus oblongo-lanceolatis apiculatis, labello oblongo basi cordato apice obtusato lobulato, callo tumido utrinque ante basin, carinâ geminâ in imâ basi.

Odontoglossum Reichenheimii, Reichenbach fil. in Bonpl. iii. 214; idem in Pescatorea, sub t. 19; Walpers, Annales, vi. fasc. 6. Lemaire in Illustr. Hortic. pl. 213.

Habitat in Mexico, Ghiesbreght.

An epiphyte. Pseudobulbs oblong, slightly furrowed, from 2 to 4 inches long, clustered together. Leaves 2 on each pseudobulb, shining and leathery, oblong-lanceolate, pointed, about a foot long, much shorter than the scape. Scape upright or nodding, from 2 feet to a yard high, spotted, loosely panicled, bearing from 10 to sometimes probably 50 flowers. Bracts few, short, and membranous, fitting close to the stem. Sepals and Petals nearly equal, oblong-lanceolate, apiculate, about an inch long, greenish-yellow, barred with dark purplish-brown. Lip purple in some varieties, in others white, with a horseshoe-shaped band of purple on its disk, oblong, rather blunt, and slightly lobed at the apex, somewhat heart-shaped at the base, where there is a callosity on either side, and a double carina. Column very slightly winged.

This pretty species is well figured in 'Pescatorea,' where it is stated to be a native of Mexico, whence it was introduced by M. Linden, of Brussels. It was from his establishment that I derived the plant that is represented on the other side, and which flowered at Knypersley in May last (1865). It appears to be very easily managed, requiring the same temperature and treatment as O. læve, to which it is nearly allied, and which forms the subject of the following Plate. It is also very closely related to O. Karwinskii; and I do not feel certain that the two may not eventually have to be united. At present, however, so few plants of either kind exist in the collections of this country, that the materials necessary for an extensive comparison are not forthcoming.

The specific name was given by Professor Reichenbach in honour of M. Reichenheim, of Berlin, whose collection of Orchids and other plants has long been celebrated.

Dissections. – 1. Side view (magnified) of lip and column; 2. Front view of ditto.

Plate XVI.

ODONTOGLOSSUM LÆVE

O. (Isanthium) pseudobulbis subcompressis sulcatis diphyllis, foliis oblongo-ensiformibus obtuse acutis apice obliquis, scapis multifloris brevioribus, floribus laxe racemoso-paniculatis, bracteis brevibus membranaceis, sepalis petalisque oblongo-linearibus acutis planis, labelli limbo panduriformi apiculato ungui lævi obsoletissime bidentato, columnæ alis apice rotundatis crispis basi planis. Lindl.

Odontoglossum læve, Lindl. in Bot. Reg. (1844), t. 39; L. Fol. Orch. n. 52.

Habitat in Guatemala, Skinner.

Pseudobulbs from 3 to 5 inches long, ovate, subcompressed, furrowed, 2-leaved. Leaves sword-shaped, obtuse, or obtusely-acute, sometimes slightly oblique at their extremities, a foot or more long, shorter than the many-flowered flower-stems. Flower-stems loosely branched, 2 to 3 feet long, rather drooping, bearing from 20 to (sometimes) 100 Flowers. Bracts from half an inch to an inch long, sharp-pointed, clipping tightly hold of the stem. Sepals and Petals nearly equal, oblong-linear, acute, plane at the edges, usually about an inch long, light green, transversely banded with brown. Lip with a fiddle-shaped, apiculate limb doubled back on its unguis or claw, white, changing into purple at its base, where it is sometimes very obscurely bidentate. Wings of Column crisp at the edges, plane at the base.