Cryptophoranthus
(from kryptos, hidden, phoreo, to bear, and anthos, a blossom; in allusion to the petals, lip, &c., being concealed within an almost closed flower, the only opening into which is by a pair of small "windows" at the side). Window-bearing Orchid. ORD. Orchideae. A curious genus, with the habit of Pleurothallis (section Aggregatae), but differing from that genus in the sepals being united into a short tube at the base and again united at the apex--the only way into the flower being by the small, window-like openings, one on either side. From Masdevallia the genus differs in habit, as also in the characters just given. Eight species are known; they are stove Orchids, ranging over an area from the West Indies to the Andes and Brazil. The following species are now included here, the specific names remaining unchanged: Masdevallia Dayana, M. gracilenta, M. hypodiscus, and Pleurothallis atropurpurea. For culture, see Pleurothallis, on p. 163, Vol. III. C. maculatus (spotted). fl. yellow, densely spotted crimson, numerous, 1/6in. long, obovoid, obtuse, pubescent, situated at the base of the leaf on the very short stem (so short that the flowers actually lie on the soil). l. elliptic, obtuse, very fleshy, with numerous purple spots or small blotches on the upper surface, 1 1/4in. to 2 1/4in. long, 3/4in. to 1 1/4in. broad, the apex minutely tridenticulate. Probably Brazilian. A remarkable little plant.