ARPOPHYLLUM

(from arpe, a scimitar, and phyllon, a leaf; the leaf is sword-shaped). O RD. Orchideæ. Distinct evergreen epiphytes. There are about six species known, and the genus belongs to the Epidendreæ division of orchidaceous plants; their general characters are: Flowers small, numerous, in closely packed cylindrical spikes; anther-bed broad, shorter than the broad extension of the upper edge of the stigma; pollinia eight. Stems rather long, with white sheaths. They thrive well in fibrous peat, one-third turfy loam, freely interspersed with lumps of fresh charcoal and an abundance of crocks. When growing, a liberal supply of water at the roots is e ential, as is also a situation near the light, where they will blo om much more profusely than if in any way shaded. The flowers last in perfection about four weeks.