ODONTOGLOSSUM STELLATUM. STELLATE ODONTOGLOSSUM. 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 truncat quadridentat 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. DESCRIPTION. 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.
Odontoglossum AlexandrÆ. |