DENDROBIUM SUAVISSIMUM. [Plate 13.] Native of Burmah.

DENDROBIUM SUAVISSIMUM. [Plate 13.] Native of Burmah.

Epiphytal. Stems (or pseudobulbs) about a foot long, cuneately-fusiform, tapering below into a longish stalk-like base, bluntly angulate, bearing one or two pairs of leaves at the top, and invested below with close ovate membranaceous bracts. Leaves somewhat coriaceous, oblong-ligulate, cuneate at the base and acute at the apex. Flower-spikes ten to twelve inches long, bracteate at the base, terminal or nearly terminal, produced freely on the two-year-old stems. Flowers large, showy, numerous, of a brilliant yellow; sepals ligulate acute, bright golden yellow; petals broader, cuneately-oblong, obtusely-acute, of the same colour as the sepals; lip (labellum) deep bright yellow, marked on the disk with a broad curved band of rich dark sanguineous purple, almost black, cucullate, cuneate-oblong at the base, where it is folded over the column, roundish and emarginate in front, undulate and ciliolate at the margin, densely asperulous with erect acute papillæ forming a close crispy covering over the surface.

Dendrobium suavissimum, Reichenbach fil., in Gardeners’ Chronicle, N.S., i. 406; v. 756.

This fine Dendrobe, of which Reichenbach remarks:—“I believe it is one of the best Dendrobia ever imported,” was introduced in 1873 by Mr. Low, of Clapton, as recorded in the Gardeners’ Chronicle for 1874 (N.S., i. 406), where it was first described. It is again referred to in the same publication in 1876 (N.S., v. 756), where the German Professor remarks:—“The species stands indeed, as has been stated before, close to Dendrobium chrysotoxum. The flowers are smaller, the fringe is made by much shorter papillæ, the chin is shorter, the petals are narrower, the lip does not expand to an open mass, but its lateral parts keep bent over the base, thus forming a cucullate body so as to allow the beautiful dark blackish spot to be seen, and which contrasts so well with the deep yellow of the flower. There are also a few blackish streaks on each side of the base of the lip.”

Dendrobium suavissimum is one of the most beautiful species of the yellow-flowered section of this vast genus, and one that is much admired and sought after by Orchid growers. The accompanying plate is a good representation of the plant, and from this it will be seen that it is one of the most attractive of summer-flowering Orchids. Our sketch was taken from a specimen exhibited by us during the present year, at the Royal Botanic Society’s Garden in the Regent’s Park.

Formerly this was a very rare plant, but within the last few years it has been sent home in considerable quantities by collectors, and it has in consequence become 25 comparatively cheap. In growth it resembles Dendrobium chrysotoxum, but the flowers are much more showy; in D. chrysotoxum they are wholly yellow, whereas in this species there is a large sanguineous purple blotch on the lip, forming a striking contrast to the rich golden yellow of the sepals and petals; in addition to this they are sweet-scented. The plant is of free-flowering habit, and when well-grown produces finely-developed flower-spikes. We have seen as many as three spikes proceeding from a single stem.

In habit of growth Dendrobium suavissimum is very compact. The stems or pseudobulbs are about a foot in height, and furnished with one or two pairs of dark green leaves at the apex. The flower-spikes proceed from the tops of the two-year-old bulbs, and average from ten to twelve inches in length. The stems will sometimes produce spikes for several years in succession. The flowers last from two to three weeks in perfection if kept from damp.

Like other Dendrobiums, this species is found growing on the trunks and branches of trees in positions where it gets plenty of light and air. With us it thrives well grown in a basket suspended near the roof, so as to obtain all the light and air possible; the bulbs thus become well matured. The best material for growing it in is sound sweet fibrous peat, with a good supply of drainage. The plants should be watered liberally at the roots during the period of growth, which is after they have done blooming. The temperature that suits them best is that of the East India-house while they are making their growth; but when the growth is completed very little water should be given them until they begin to show their spikes in spring, when it may be increased, as it will assist them to produce stronger spikes. The plant is propagated by division; two or more old bulbs should be taken off with a young growth in front. Insects should be well looked after, and when found be speedily removed.

PL. 14. TRICHOPILIA SUAVIS ALBA.

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