Laelia

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Read about Laelia in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture 

Laelia (meaning uncertain). Orchidaceae. A useful and attractive group of orchids, mostly with large, showy flowers borne singly or in two- to

many-flowered racemes, which arise from the top of one- to two- leaved pseudobulbs. The plants greatly resemble cattleyas and differ only by the

presence of eight perfect pollen masses instead of four.

Leaves oblong, coriaceous or fleshy, not plicate: pseudobulbs terminating the annual growth, ovate, clavate, fusiform or st.-like, long or short,

consisting of 1 to several thickened internodes, or of slender and quill-like form with merely a small bulbous swelling at base, sheathed with scales and

bearing 1 or 2 lvs. at the summit: sepals subequal, free, spreading; petals wider and sometimes longer, spreading; all usually plane; labellum free from

the base of the column, more or less distinctly 3-lobed, the lateral lobes short, erect, folding over the column; middle lobe long, expanded,

lanceolate-ovate, etc.; column concave in front, and thus narrowly 2-winged on the edges; pollinia 8, 4 in each locule; scape terminal, long or short,

bracted.— About 30 species, dispersed in the maritime provinces of Mex. and Guatemala and in S. Brazil. No species is common to the two widely

separated regions. A single species, L. monophylla, inhabits the mountains of Jamaica. In their native homes the plants are often found clinging to

bare rocks and trees, where they are exposed to the full force of the tropical sun, and, in the wet season, to daily drenching rains. Some of the species

grow at great altitudes. Thus, L. autumnalis var. furfuracea, is always found in alpine regions at elevations of 7,500-8,500 ft. For a list ot cult, kinds,

see R. A. Rolfe, G.C. III. 7:107, 256, 333, 355; 8:241, 652.

Laelia may be conveniently divided into groups, as follows:

Group I (species 1-10).—Pseudobulbs rounded, pyriform or ovate. The plants of this section are medium- sized, with the pseudobulbs terminating each

year's growth, sessile at intervals on the rhizome, and sheathed at least at first with bract-lvs. The scape, except in L. grandiflora, is long and slender,

erect, nodding or sub- horizontal, and bears at its end 1 or 2 fls. (L. anceps), or a raceme of 2-7 fls. (L. albida). L. grandiflora, placed here on account

of its thickened pseudobulbs, bears greater resemblance to the members of the next group.

Group II (species 11-13).—Pseudobulbs short-cylindrical, st.-like, or swollen-jointed, i. e., consisting of several internodes and sheathed with bracts.

These plants are of dwarf habit, bearing 1-2 very large fls. on short scapes, so that the top of the fl. scarcely exceeds the lvs., which are oblong, about

6 in. long, and leathery.

Group III (species 14-23).—Pseudobulbs long- oblong, fusiform or clavate, tapering below to a sheathed and jointed stalk. This group contains the

largest and most showy laelias. The pseudobulbous sts. are tall and tufted, a foot or more in length, forming robust, compact, almost bushy plants. The

flowering sts. of L. superbiens are said to attain a height of 12 ft. The racemes bear 3-7 large, handsome fls.

Group IV (species 24-26).—Pseudobulbs slender, reed-like and tufted. clothed with scales and often somewhat swollen at base. This group includes a

few species which are very distinct on account of their bright scarlet or orange-colored fls. and slender, reed-like pseudobulbs. L. monophylla is

perhaps the smallest of all laelias, being scarcely over 6 in. high, with pseudobulbs about as thick as a crow-quill. One variety of L, cinnabarina has

purple fls.

Cultivation of laelias. (E. O. Orpet.)

These orchids have ever held an important place in gardens, and were it not for the trifling generic distinction of having double the number of

pollen-masses of the cattleya, they would have been known as a part of the last named, the ease with which both have been hybridized even from the

beginning proving the close affinity; and one authority at least is willing to merge the two, were it not for the mixing up it would cause in garden

nomenclature. The Brazilian species, L. purpurata and L. crispa, are strikingly beautiful, easy of culture, and are long-lived in gardens. These were

the first to be used by the hybridist, and the multiple crosses made since, with the later addition of L. tenebrosa, show evidence of the gorgeous

coloring of the labellum due to the laelia parentage.

It has always been the impression that the Brazilian laelias require very much warmth to enable them to grow well. This has been proved to be an

error, as stronger growth is made in an intermediate temperature. The plants get an absolute rest in winter, flower better and grow stronger when kept

at a temperature of about 50° in winter.

The Mexican kinds that mostly flower in midwinter, such as L. anceps and its white forms, will do equally well in a similar house, but are best grown

outdoors in summer in the partial shade of overhanging trees, giving a spraying of water overhead at evening of each hot day. This has been found to

be the only way to get the white forms to bloom freely, as they need special treatment and thorough ripening to secure good results. Removal indoors

should take place before frost; cool nights seem to invigorate them, but while they experience slight frosts in Mexican uplands, it is harmful here.

These laelias make an abundance of roots, and the plants should be kept off the ground to avoid the danger of slugs. If these gain access, soak the

pots or baskets in water for an hour and the slugs will appear and can be caught.

The repotting of laelias must be done in early spring, or just before the appearance of the new bunches of roots at the base of the growths.

Native-born species have a regular way of living, but the hybrids have a go-as-you-please habit, due perhaps to their mixed origin, that makes the

repotting an operation that lasts throughout the year. Flowers are produced at all seasons, while, with introduced plants, their blooming is as fixed as

the days of the year. This makes it hard to make a rule when to repot or separate plants; but, should the roots begin to get outside the receptacle, it is

wise to give the plants more space. Good firm osmundine is the best material, as these are strictly epiphytal plants. Imported specimens are received

with mats of dwarf polypodium attached, and these often grow with the plants in cultivation, giving a clue to the best way to treat them afterward. The

other Mexican species, L. Gouldiana, L. autumnalis and L. albida, are not so durable in gardens as some others. They are most valuable

midwinter-flowering orchids; they need similar culture as that given to L. anceps, but have to be replaced by new specimens after a few years, as they

are not permanent.

There are many pretty dwarf-growing species, L. praestans, L. Dayana, L. pumila, L. grandiflora, L. Jongheana and others, that require extra care to

keep them in health, and this care is largely in the matter of moisture. The plants are small, need shallow pans and to be suspended close to the roof

glass where they dry out speedily, and unless moisture is given regularly, the health of the plants soon weakens. The drying out is desirable, for the

plants experience this on rocks or trees in their native habitat, but there they have the benefit of the night dews that amount to a shower of moisture;

this is easily imitated by spraying over the plants each dry evening. The roots will take this up during the night, and be fortified for the succeeding

day. If one examines the aerial roots of L. anceps, they will be found to be in segments, some longer than others, the longer ones being those formed

on a dull or wet day when evaporation was slower and the tender- growing tips could grow longer. This is suggestive in a cultural way.


The following names must be sought under Laeliocattleya: L. amanda, Brysiana, Dominiana, Dormaniana, elegans, ezoniensis, Nyleptha, prasiata,

Schilleriana, Turneri.

Laelia flava (L. caulescens). Lvs. 3-5 in. long, oblong-lanceolate, acute, very thick and stiff: scape 1 ft., erect, bearing 4-8 bright yellow fls. 2-2 1/2 in.

diam.; sepals and petals spreading, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse or subacute; labellum not longer than the petals; middle lobe recurved, crisped and

undulate, having 4 elevated ridges running down the center; lateral lobes obtuse. Autumn. Brazil. B.R. 28:62.

Laelia grandiflora (L. majalis). Lvs. solitary, oblong, coriaceous, 6-7 in. long: fls. solitary, rarely 2, on a short peduncle, scarcely equaling the lvs., 5-8

in. across, showy, rose-lilac; sepals lanceolate, plane; petals oblong, acute, shorter and much broader than the sepals; middle lobe of the labellum

large, expanded, emarginate, center white, shading to lilac at the margin, spotted with dark lilac; side lobes small, white inside, streaked with lilac.

May, June. Mex. B.M. 5667. B.R. 30:30. P.M. 12:1. G.C. II. 19:628.—A magnificent orchid. Var. alba, Reichb. f. White. A.G. 19:109; 20:371.

G.C. III. 40:45. Var. majus is advertised.

Laelia albida, Lvs. lance-linear, acute: scape twice as long as the lvs.; fls. 2 in. across, pure transparent white except a yellow streak down the lip and

a few crimson dots at its base, sweet-scented; sepals lanceolate, spreading; petals similar but broader, all very acute; labellum 3-lobed; side lobes

small, erect; middle lobe large, round-ovate, reflexed. All autumn and winter. Oaxaca, Mex. B.M. 3957. B.R. 25:54. Gn. 35:314.—The first

white-fld. species discovered. Var. sulphurea, Reichb. f. Larger: fls. sulfur-yellow, with a rose-colored border on the middle lobe, and rose spots on the

inner surface of the side lobes. Var. bella, Hort., ex Williams, not Reichb. f. Fls. larger than the type; sepals and petals creamy white, faintly bordered

with lilac; lip white, the middle lobe broadly bordered with deep rose and having 3 yellow ridges down the center. Var. rosea, Hort. Fls. rose-colored.

Var. majus is advertised.

Laelia autumnalis, Lvs. oblong-linear, obtuse, coriaceous, 5 in. long: scape 1 1/2 - 2 ft. long, 5-6-fld., with sheathing scales; fls. showy, fragrant; sepals

lanceolate- acuminate; petals oblong-lanceolate, undulate; lateral lobes of the labellum large, erect, rotund-truncate, whitish; middle lobe obovate,

obtuse, apiculate, recurved, deep purple; disk with 2 narrow yellow lamellae. In color and general appearance much like L. anceps, but the segms.

lack the green ribs. Autumn. Mex. B.M. 3817. B.R. 25:27. I.H. 1:17. P.M. 6:121. G.C. 1872:1009.—Grows on bare rocks and stunted trees in most

exposed situations, often at great altitudes. Less valuable than L. anceps. Var. furfuracea, Rolfe (L. furfuracea). This seems to be a dwarf alpine

form, with the ovary more scurfy and the petals unusually broad. It is always found at great elevations, occurring frequently at 7,500-8,500 ft.

Intermediate forms exist. B.M. 3810. B.R. 25:26. Var. atrorubens, Backh. Pseudobulbs short: fls. large, deep rose or magenta, darker toward the

ends of the segms, and the labellum; base of the labellum and lateral lobes white. Gn. 17:368. Var. venusta, Hort. Goldring. In habit resembles var.

atrorubens: stalk 2-3 ft.: fls. large, rosy mauve. Gn. 25:366. Var. Fournieri, Andre. Fls. about 6-7 in. across; sepals revolute at the summit,

purple-red; petals rhomboid, of the same color, all paler toward the base; labellum white, with the middle lobe colored like the segms. Larger than

var. atrorubens. R.H. 1896:548. Var. alba, Hort. Fls. pure white.

Laelia Arnoldiana, Manda. Pseudobulbs 4-6 in. long, pyriform, deeply furcate, 2-lvd.: lvs. 5-7 in. long, leathery, lanceolate, thick and dark green:

scape 1-4 ft. long, 3-11-fld.; sepals oblong-lanceolate, pointed; petals broader, ovate, all somewhat reflexed, rose- colored; middle lobe of the labellum

reflexed, deep rose- purple, paler toward the center: throat with 2 yellow keels, spotted purple; lateral lobes straight, pale rose or white.—A species

closely related to L. autumnalis, from which it differs in having bulbs growing erect and rigid lvs. and in the absence of the fetid odor of L. autumnalis.

(W. A. Manda.) Mex. A.F. 5:303. Var. Forstermannii, Hort. Identical with the type, but has pure white fls., with a tinge of delicate pink on the ends of

the segms. (W. A. Manda.)

Laelia Eyermanniana, Reichb. f. (L. autumnalis x L. grandiflora, Reichb. L. autumnalis x L. albida, Rolfe). Natural hybrid. Pseudobulbs like those of

L. grandiflora: lvs. oblong, acute, very leathery, 6 in. long and 2 in. broad: racemes bearing 3-4 fls. up to 4 in. across (as large as those of L.

Gouldiana, but smaller than L. autumnalis), rose-purple (white suffused with bright rosy crimson); sepals lance-oblong, acute; petals broadly oblong or

almost rotund, obtuse; side lobes of the labellum oblong; middle lobe rounded, wavy, white bordered with rose and having 3 yellow keels on the disk

fading to whitish on the blade. G.C. III. 4:109.

Laelia Crawshayana, Natural hybrid. Pseudobulbs and lvs. as in L. albida: scape few (2)-fld., long as in L. anceps, but thinner and with shorter,

narrower sheaths; sepals and petals narrower than in L. anceps, of a fine amethyst-color; labellum open near the column; side lobes obtuse-angled,

antrorse, rich purple at the tips; middle lobe cuneate, abruptly blunt, lower half rich purple; throat yellow, veined with purple, 3-keeled. According to

Reichb., a hybrid between L. anceps(?) and L. autumnalis(?) or L. albida and L. anceps. J.H. III. 30:67; 54:27 (as L. anceps var. Crawshayana). The

plant there figured is probably the species in question, although, according to the figure and the accompanying description, the sepals and petals are

wider than those of L. anceps.

Laelia Gouldiana, Pseudobulbs ovate, 2-lvd.: lvs. oblong-linear: scape slender, 1-2 ft. long, bearing as many as 6 deep rose-purple fls. resembling

those of L. anceps; sepals lance-oblong, pointed; petals broader, ovate, acute; middle lobe of the labellum large, deeply colored, throat white and

veined; side lobes white. Dec., Jan. Mex. G.C. III. 7:169.—A useful species, large plants often bearing 5-10 racemes. Perhaps only a variety of L.

autumnalis.

Laelia anceps, Fig. 2056. Pseudobulbs scattered on the rhizome, ovate: lvs. 5-9 in. long, oblong-lanceolate: scape from the top of the pseudobulbs, l

1/2 -2 ft. long, clothed with keeled scales and bearing 1-2 very showy, purplish rose-colored fls.; sepals lanceolate- acuminate; petals

ovate-acuminate, all with a greenish line on the back; labellum inside of the lateral lobes yellow, with red marks; middle lobe oblong, acute, deep

purple, white on the disk, with a thickened yellow keel terminating in 3 ridges. Mex. B.M. 3804. B.R. 1751. G. C. II. 24:405. P.M. 4:73. O.R.

15:145. —One of the most beautiful species of laelia, possessing many fine varieties. Var. Barkeriana, Lindl. Sepals and petals subequal; middle lobe

of the labellum rather narrow, acute. B.R. 1947. F.S. 11:1100. Gn. 25:534. Var. Dawsonii, J. Anders. Scape 2-3 ft. long, 2-3-fld.; fls. white; interior of

the labellum marked with radiating purple lines, with the usual yellow ridge. Juquila, Mex. Gn. 25:534. G.C. III. 1:424. S.H. 2, p. 175. F.M. 1871:530.

Var. alba, Reichb. f. Sepals and petals as in var. Dawsonii; fls. pure white, with the disk of the lip pale yellow. Dec., Jan. G.C. III. 1:485; 15:172. J.H.

III. 50:179. Var. Hilliana, Reichb. f. Sepals and petals white; front lobe of the labellum bilobed emarginate. I.H. 33:584. Gn. 25:534. G.C. III. 1:425.

Var. Williamsii, Hort. Pure white, narrower than in var. Stella,; labellum white, large, with the disk and throat yellow, marked with crimson-purple.

G.C. III. 1:349. Gn. 25:534. Var. Lageriana, Hort, White, suffused with rose; lip dark lavender, mottlod and streaked purple, the throat yellow,

purple-veined. Var. Leeana, Reichb. f. Fls. white, smaller than in L. anceps; petals very narrow and very acute; side lobes of the labellum blunt;

middle lobe small, triangular, wavy, with a thick, well-developed keel; throat yellowish, veined with reddish purple. Var. Schroederiana, Reichb. f. Fls.

unusually large; sepals, petals and middle lobe of the labellum pure white; side lobes and throat streaked with broad lines of purplish crimson. Gn.

44:284. G.M. 33:813. G.C. III. 29:94. Var. Sanderiana, Reichb. f. Fls. white; disk of lip crimson. G.C. III. 1:281; 25:136;43:216. O.R.9:9; 17:frontis.

Gn.44:284. G.M. 37:88. Var. Veitchiana, Reichb. f. Sepals and petals white; disk of the labellum yellow, veined with brown; lateral lobes and anterior

part of the middle lobe veined with purple. Gn. 25:534 (as L. Veitchii). Var. Stella, Reichb. f. Fls. pure white; labellum with yellow throat, marked with

light crimson lines. G.C. III.1:280 and 8:500. Var. Amesiana, O'Brien. Sepals and petals broad, feather-veined with mauve; labellum white; middle

lobe crimson-purple. G.C. III. 23:59. Var. Ashworthiana, O'Brien. Sepals pure white, lance-oblong; petals broadly ovate, also white; front lobe of the

labellum broad, expanded, white, with a few blue dots and yellow keels on the throat; side lobes with lines of slaty blue. G.C. III. 15:103. J.H.

III.28:125. Var. waddoniensis, Hort. Fls. pure white; side lobes of the lip marked with purple lines, disk yellowish. J.H. III. 56:349. G.C. III. 23:125.

G.M. 41:115. Var. Chamberlainiana, Hort. Sepals and petals soft rosy lilac; base and side lobes of lip purple- lined, the middle lobe a glaring

crimson-purple, the callus orange. G.C. III. 31:71; 49:78. G.M. 45:101. Var. Percivaliana, Reichb. f. Fls. small, but freely produced; sepals and petals

white, tinged with bluish pink; lateral lobes of the labellum deep purple at the tips and spotted; throat yellow, with purplish crimson lines; middle lobe

creamy yellow at the base; apex purplish. Gn. 25:534. Var. delicate, Hort. ex Williams. Labellum white, suffused with mauve; throat orange- yellow;

sepals and petals rose, mauve or lilac. Var. rosea, Reichb. f. A variety having bright rose-colored fls., with the margins of the labellum darker rose.

Gn. 25:534. Var. grandiflora, Williams. A robust form resembling the type. G.C. III. 3:105. Var. holochila, Rolfe. Sepals and petals nearly alike, pale

lilac; lip petaloid, elliptical-lanceolate, light purple, yellow and white at the base. G.F. 4:173. Var. Scottiana, Warner and Williams. Sepals and petals

mauve; labellum deep purple, with a yellow throat, Var. morada. This is a name under which importations of large, highly colored forms of L. anceps

were sold by the Liverpool Hort. Co., England, as var. grandiflora. —Many other varieties appear under Latin names.

Laelia rubescens (L. acuminata, L. peduncularis). Pseudobulbs ovate to subrotund, clustered, sometimes rugose, 1-lvd.: lvs. oblong to lance-oblong,

emarginate, 4-5 in. long: scape slender, jointed, sheathed with brown scales at the joints, 1 ft. long, with 2-8 graceful, fragrant fls.; sepals spreading,

linear-oblong, acute; petals slightly longer and twice as wide, undulate; labellum as long as the petal; middle lobe of the same form but more undulate

and with a stain of yellow on the disk, purplish red on the inner surface. B.M. 4905 and 4099. B.R. 26:41; 27:24; 31:69. F.S. 1:9; 7:742. P.M. 10:49.

O.R. 14:41; 19:72.—A slender, graceful plant with small, whitish, lilac-tinted or rose-colored fls. much smaller than those of L. anceps.

Laelia Jongheana, Reichb. f. Rhizome with remarkably thick root-fibers: pseudobulbs ovate-oblong, 1-lvd.: lvs. broadly oblong, 3—5 in. long, very

thick and dark green: scape stout, shorter than the lf., 1-2-fld.; fls. 4 in. diam., bright amethyst-color; sepals linear-lanceolate, acute; petals broadly

oblong-obtuse; labellum convolute; lateral lobes very shallow; middle lobe emarginate, white and crisp, with about 7 golden-yellow undulate ridges in

the throat. Brazil. B.M.6038. R.H. 1873:290. G.C. 1872:425. O.R. 12:273.—A dwarf species with remarkable leathery lvs. Said to equal L.

grandiflora and Cattleya Mossiae. Rare in cult. Many varieties are listed under Latin names.

Laelia pumila (Cattleya pumila, marginata, L. praestans, L. Dayana, L. Pinelli ). Pseudobulbs small, st.-like, with 1 oblong to linear-oblong lf. 5-6 in.

long: peduncle shorter than the lvs., each bearing a single, large, drooping, rose-purple fl.; sepals oblong, acute; petals ovate-oblong, broader,

undulate; labellum very involute; lateral lobes subquadrate, middle lobe short, emarginate, waved and crisped; throat yellow, apex rich purple. A

pretty dwarf species from Brazil, very variable and useful. B.M. 3656,5498. B.R. 30:5. F. 1850:89 (as Cattleya spectabilis). G.C. II. 23:597; III.

36:354.—Many variiations of this plant have been described as distinct species, although botanically but one species. Some of them are well-marked

horticultural varieties. Var. praestans, Veitch (L. praestans). A large-fld., highly-colored variety, with the sepals and petals much broader than in the

type; labellum rich purple, very rigid and fleshy, lines almost obsolete. B.M. 5498. Gn. 53, p. 550. Var. marginata, Hort. (Catlleya marginata). Fls.

large; sepals and petals rose-crimson; labellum with a white border, crisp. Brazil. P.M. 10:265. I.H. 6:193 (as Cattleyapumila var. major). F.S.

18:1900. G.C. III. 22:262. A.G. 11:158. Var. Day ana, Dean (L. Dayana ). Sepals and petals rose-purple; labellum with a deep purple margin. Earlier

than the type. Brazil. R.H. 1890, p. 490. F.M. 1877:249. Var. alba, Hort. Fls. like var. praestans, but pure white with the base of the lip yellow.

G.C.III.21:11. J.H. III. 34:27; 43:349; 49:409, 475.

Laelia Leeana, Hybrid: pseudobulbs cylindrical, somewhat swollen, 1-lvd.: lvs. cuneate-oblong, very coriaceous: sepals and petals spreading, ligulate,

acute, somewhat undulate, rose-color; lateral lobes of the labellum semi-ovate, acute, the tips resting on the middle lamella, white, tips purple; middle

lobe broad, obcordate. Sept. "Natural hybrid of L. marginata and —-?" (Hansen).—As this plant has 4 pollinia, it is probably nearer Cattleya. It was

imperfectly described by Reichb. as a doubtful hybrid.

GROUP III

Laelia Digbyana (Brassdvola Digbyana ). Pseudobulbs elongate, st.-like, 1-lvd.: lvs. elliptical, thick, fleshy, plane, slightly keeled: peduncle with a

solitary, very large, fragrant fl. 3-5 in. across; sepals and petals similar, oblong, spreading, pale purplish green; petals slightly broader; labellum very

large- cordate, entirely surrounding the column, white or cream-colored, with the margin cut into a broad laciniate fringe, which makes the fl. very

striking. July, Aug. Honduras. B.M. 4474. B.R. 32:53. F.S. 3:237. G.C. III. 18:153. G.M. 46:307.—A slow-growing orchid.

Laelia glauca (Brassavola glauca ). St. short, creeping: pseudobulbs short, oblong, st.-like, compressed and sheathed with scales, bearing a single

oblong, glaucous, very thick and leathery lf.: fls. usually single, on a stalk shorter than the lf., fragrant; sepals and petals spreading,

oblong-lanceolate, obtuse, greenish yellow; labellum with a short claw surrounding the column, then expanding into a large 3-lobed limb, yellowish

white, streaked with red in the throat. Mex. and Guatemala. B.M. 4033. B.R. 26:44. G.C. 111.7:357.

Laelia virens, Plants about 6 in. high: fls. 1 in. across; sepals suberect, ovate; petals lanceolate, sub- equal; labellum obsoletely 3-lobed, cucullate;

apex ovate, crisp, with obscure raised lines toward the base. Brazil.—The fls. are pale yellowish green, of no beauty.

Laelia xanthina, Lvs. oblong, longer than the fusiform pseudobulb: raceme 3-5-fld.; fls. 3 in. across, buff-yellow except the lip, which is white in front

streaked with crimson-purple; sepals and petals sub- equal, oblong-obtuse, undulate, leathery and convex; labellum nearly quadrate when spread out,

without raised veins. Brazil. B.M. 5144. F.S. 23:2418.— Intro. 1858. A second-rate species.

Laelia grandis, Pseudobulbs st.-like, 1-lvd., 1 ft. high: lvs. rigid, oblong-lanceolate: scape erect, bearing 2-5 fls. 4 in. across; sepals and petals

lanceolate, the latter a little broader, slightly curled or twisted; labellum white; front lobe large, bell-shaped, crenate-toothed, veined with purple.

Spring. Brazil. B.M. 5553. F.S. 7, p. 238, and 23:2473.—A curious species with the sepals and petals colored tawny yellow, contrasting strongly with

the whitish purple-veined lip. Var. tenebrosa, God. Lebeufe. Sepals and petals citron- yellow, less undulate; labellum trumpet-shaped, purple, with a

broad border of white with many purple veins. G.C. III. 14:221. G.M. 36:531.

Laelia superbiens, Pseudobulbs 1 ft. or more in length, oblong, with 1 or 2 coriaceous oblong lvs. equaling the pseudobulbs in length: scape drooping,

5-6 ft. long, bearing a globose cluster of 10-20 fls. each about 6 in. diam.; sepals and petals nearly equal, spreading, oblong-lanceolate, obtuse,

lilac-purple, paler below; labellum as long as the segms.. middle lobe broad obcordate, waved and crisped; disk with several prominent toothed crests,

yellow, deep crimson-purple on the margins; side lobes yellow with purple margins and stripes. Guatemala. B.M. 4090. F.S. 11:1178, 1179. P.M.

11:97. R.H. 1886:324.—A very large plant.

Laelia Boothiana (L. lobata, Cattleya lobata ). A strong-growing plant: pseudobulbs clavate, furrowed, 1-lvd.: lvs. lanceolate-oblong, about as long as

the scape: scape 8-10 in. long, from the axil of the lf., 2-5-fld.; fls. about 5 in. across, uniformly violet-purple with rich crimson veins on the lip; sepals

lanceolate, with reflexed margins; petals broad, oblong, undulate, crisp; labellum cucullate, the middle lobe reflexed, all beautifully waved and crisped.

Much like L.crispa in habit. April, May. S.Brazil. R.H. 1874:331 (asL.Rivieri). G.C. 1848:403; III. 10:577. F.S. 20, p. 132. A.G. 13:608. O.R.

12:265.—This plant is not free-flowering, hence it is little cult., although a beautiful and distinct species.

Laelia crispa (Cattleya crispa ). Pseudobulbs clustered, elongate-clavate, 1-lvd.: lvs. large, 1 ft. long, oblong-lanceolate, emarginate: scape with 5-6

large, handsome, fragrant fls.; sepals linear-oblanceolate or spatulate, acute, margins revolute; petals much broader, with the margins beautifully

waved and crisped; labellum standing forward, recurved at the apex; side lobes rounded, white, yellow at base, streaked with red; middle lobe long,

ovate-acuminate, deep purple inside, veined, all remarkably waved and crisped. Summer. On lofty trees fully exposed. Brazil. B.M. 3910. B.R. 1172.

Gn. 48, p. 504. J.H. III.33:197. P.M. 5:5. O.R. 9:201; 17:305.—A fine white-fld. species resembling a cattleya in habit. Var. Cauwelaertiae, L. Lind.

Sepals and petals tinged with greenish yellow; base of labellum yellow. I.H. 38:121.

Laelia purpurata (Cattleya Brysiana ). Fig. 2057. Pseudobulbs long-elliptical, 6-8 in. high: lvs. solitary, oblong, leathery, dark green, 1 ft. or more in

length: scape erect, 3—7-fld.; fls. very large, 6-8 in. across; sepals linear-oblong, spreading, white, suffused with light rose; petals much broader,

ovate, undulate, crisp, base attenuate, colored like the sepals; labellum very large, bell-shaped; middle lobe rounded, undulate, crisp, rich purple with

darker veins, throat yellow. A robust plant, whose large fls., borne on strong erect stalks, make it one of the grandest laelias in cult. Spring. Brazil.

I.H. 1, p. 54, and 3:83. F.S. 11:1138, 1139. Gn. 54, p. 17; 56, p. 46 (var. Mrs. Measures). G.C. II. 14:45; 20:533. A.F. 6:223. O.R. 15:156. G.M. 57:723

(var. alba). Var. atropurpurea, Williams. Sepals and petals deep rose; labellum large, expanded, purple-magenta; throat yellow, veined with purple.

Brazil. Var. Ashworthiana, J. Anders. Petals wider than in the type, 2 in. wide, purplish rose, with darker stripes. A highly colored form. G.C. 111.

20:39. Var. Nelisii, Hort., Versch. Sepals and petals subsessile, the former rose-colored outside; midlobe of the labellum ovate, acute. Much like the type in color.

I.H. 15:569. Var. Russelliana, Williams (L. Russelliana, Hort.). Fls. large; sepals somewhat narrow, white, suffused with lilac; petals broader, deeper

lilac; labellum large, rose- lilac; throat yellow, marked with rose. Autumn. Var. Schrdederi. Reichb. f. Sepals and petals white; labellum white, with a

tinge of rose in the center; tube pale yellow, with fine, dark purple lines. I.H. 38:139. Var. Mandaiana, Hort. Pseudobulbs thinner and narrower than in

the type: fls. as large as those of the type, pure white, with a faint tinge of pink on the labellum. Var. praetexta, Reichb. f. No description of this plant

is available. Many other varieties appear under Latin names.

Laelia Perrinii (Cattleya Perrinii ). Pseudobulbs elongate: lvs. solitary, oblong, coriaceous, 8 in. long, equaling the st.: fls. showy, 2-3 on a short stalk:

sepals oblong-linear, obtuse; petals a little broader, all rose-purple, darker at the tips; middle lobe of labellum cucullate, expanded, oblong, obtuse,

undulate, with an inflated fistular cavity at the base, destitute of ridges, color deep crimson: lateral lobes erect, acute, pale. Oct.-Dec. Brazil. B.M.

3711 (as L. intermedia var. angustifolia). B.R. 24:2. P.M. 13:5. G.M. 37:717. A.F. 13:1196: 31:470.—Fls. rather pale. Var. alba, O'Brien. Fls. white,

labellum tinged with yellow. There are several pale varieties of this plant.

Group IV

Laelia monophylla, N. E. Br. Rhizome a matted mass sending up tufts of lf.- and fl.-sts.: flowering sts. 6-10 in. long, as thick as a crow-quill, rigid and

erect, bearing a single linear-oblong, obtuse lf. 2-3 in. long, and several sheathing bracts; fls. 1-2 in. across, vivid orange-scarlet; sepals and petals

similar, spreading, oblong, subacute; labellum very small, lateral lobes embracing the column, terminal minute papillose on the disk. Mountains of

Jamaica, growing on trees at elevations of 3,000-5,000 ft. B.M. 6683.

Laelia harpophylla, Hybrid much like L. cinnabarina. Pseudobulbs slender, about 10 in. long, each bearing a single lance-linear If.: raceme short,

suberect, bearing 5-10 brilliant scarlet-orange fls.; sepals and petals oblong-lanceolate, acute; middle lobe linear, acuminate, crisp, with a whitish spot.

A luxuriant free-flowering species. Feb..March. Brazil. Gn. 24:116. F.M. 1879:372. J.H. III. 43:283.—Probably a hybrid between L. cinnabarina and a

Brassavola(?)

Laelia cinnabarina, Fig. 2058. Pseudobulbs elongate, cylindrical,but broadest at the base, sheathed with scales, bearing 1-2 linear-oblong, reflexed,

acute, coriaceous lvs.: raceme terminal, erect, 15-20 in. long, with 4—5 medium-sized reddish orange fls.; sepals and petals linear-oblong, obtuse,

spreading; labellum convolute, reflexed; lateral lobes acute, middle lobe large, oval, crisp. Brazil. B.M.4302. P.M. 7:193. O.R. 20:361. —A

summer-flowering species whose peculiar color and graceful habit render it very ornamental. Var. crispilabia (L. crispilabia, L. Lawrenciana ). Fls.

amethyst-purple; labellum darker, finely crisp and undulate: raceme 12-14 in. long, bearing 3-5 fls. A pretty, free-flowering variety.



The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.


Laelia
Laelia anceps
Laelia anceps
Plant Info
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Epidendroideae
Tribe: Epidendreae
Subtribe: Laeliinae
Genus: Laelia
Lindl., 1831

Species
See text.

Laelia is a small genus of eleven species from the orchid family (Orchidaceae). This is one of the most important and popular orchid genera, because of the beautiful flowers, their genetic properties and because they are fairly easy in culture. It is probably named after Laelia, one of the Vestal Virgins. Another possibility is the name borne by female members of the Roman patrician family of Laelius.

They are found in the subtropical or temperate climate of Central America, but mostly in Mexico. Laelia speciosa is a high-elevation plant, preferring sunny, dry and cool conditions. The others grow in the rainforest with a warm, humid summer and a dry cool winter. The species L. albida, L. anceps and L. autumnalis prefer higher and cooler altitudes.

Most are epiphytes, but a few are lithophytes, such as Laelia anceps. They are closely related to Cattleya with only the number of pollinia differing. Stems are usually short, however the stem of Laelia anceps can be more than 1 m long. The ovate pseudobulbs are clearly separate. These are about 6 - 30 cm long. One or two waxy, leathery leaves develop from each pseudobulb. This leaf can be up to 20 cm long. The inflorescence is a raceme, which can be 30 cm long, with up to eight flowers, growing from the top of the pseudobulb. These flowers can be pink to purple, with a beautifully colored purple lip becoming white close to the column . They bloom in spring or autumn. Albino varieties are rare and therefore prized. Don't worry if you think you'll never own an albino Laelia. Due to tissue culture or mericloning, the availability of albinos are now available provided you find the right lab

Members of this genus tend to be fairly easy in culture, and some plants are surprisingly drought-tolerant. Culture is highly dependent upon the natural habitat of the species in question, although many do well as mounted (plaqued) specimens so that the roots receive plenty of air circulation and a sharp wet-and-dry cycle.

Many species from South America, which used to belong to Laelia, are now classified under Sophronitis (van den Berg and Chase Lindleyana 15 (2), page 115, June 2000). The taxonomic status of some of these species is somewhat in doubt as they were moved there on the basis of molecular phylogeny. It seems likely that some growers and taxonomists will reject these changes, and continue to accept these "Sophronitis" species as laelias.

Laelia species readily form hybrids within the genus, and with other genera, including Cattleya (x Laeliocattleya, more than 2,000 species), Brassavola, Rhyncholaelia, and Sophronitis. The majority of orchid hybrids belong to this category, i.e. x Sophrolaeliocattleya, x Brassolaeliocattleya and a number of other variations.

Species

Laelia gouldiana

Synonymy

The genus Amalia Rchb. is generally included here.

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