Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener, p. 513 (December 11, 1860)

EPIPHRONITIS VEITCHI.

MANY handsome and peculiar hybrid Orchids have been raised by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons at Chelsea, and the one here figured, though it cannot be compared with their imposing Cattleyas and choice Cypripediums, yet possesses a considerable share of interest. The characters of Epidendrum radicans and Sophronitis grandiflora seem so different to a casual examination that without some intimate knowledge of their botanical relationship it would not be thought likely they would cross readily. A cross was, however, effected between these two plants, and the result was the hybrid which has received the singularly appropriate compound name Epiphronitis Veitchi. The plant was shown a the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on June 24th this year, when it was certificated by the Orchid Committee, and attracted much notice owing to its curious parentage. The Sophronitis is said to be the seed parent, but in habit, growth, and leaves the hybrid resembles the Epidendrum, except that it appears to be dwarfer and not so strong. The flowers are about the same size of the Epidendrum, but have taken more of the colour of the Sophronitis, being much darker and richer than the first named. The sepals and petals are also broader and more rounded, the lip four-lobed, but not cut or serrated at the margin like the Epidendrum; it is also yellow in the centre, with a few dark spots. The woodcut (fig. 68) was prepared from a drawing taken of the flowers on the day the plant was shown by Messrs. Veitch & Sons.

The Epidendrums are not popular Orchids, if we except E. vitellinum and its variety majus, but it is strange that more experiments have not been undertaken in this large family. At present very little has been done, and the Epiphronitis is the first result of any consequence that has come to my knowledge.—LEWIS CASTLE.