Schomburgkia (shomberkia)

[NL. (Lindley, 1838), named after the traveler R. H. Schom burgk (1804-65).] A genus of orchids, of the tribe Epidendreæ and subtribe Lælieæ. It is characterized by a terminal and loosely racemed inflorescence with a somewhat wavy perianth, each anther with eight pollen-ma es, four in each cell. There are about 13 spe cies, all natives of tropical America. They are epiphytes with handsome flowers in a simple raceme on an elongated terminal peduncle, and thick pseudobulbs or long fleshy stems, which are covered with many sheaths and bear at the apex one, two, or three ovate or elongated rigid and fleshy leaves. They are remarkable for the very long and slender flower-stems, and the large dry sheaths enveloping them. In S. tibicinis of Honduras, the hollow pseudobulb, from 1 to 2 feet long, is a favorite with ants for the construction of their nests, and is used by children as a trumpet (whence also its name in cultivation of cow horn orchid).