Satyrium
(Satyrion was the name given by Dioscorides to one of the Orchids, from saturos, a satyr; alluding to supposed aphrodisiacal properties). SYN. Diplecthrum. ORD. Orchideae. A rather large genus (nearly fifty species have been described) of stove, greenhouse, or half-hardy, terrestrial, tuberous-rooted orchids, inhabiting the East Indies, the Mascarene Islands, and, for the most part, Southern and tropical Africa. Flowers mediocre or rather large, rarely small, in dense spikes; sepals and petals free, much spreading or reflexed; lip sessile at the base of the column, broad, concave, galeate, or cucullate, undivided, double-spurred, or bisaccate; bracts membranous or somewhat leafy. Leaves few on the lower part of the stem, rarely many at the sides of a tall stem. Tuber undivided. The species in cultivation are described below. Most of them will succeed admirably in a cold frame, in a compost of turfy peat, fibry loam, and sand, with plenty of drainage. S. ciliatum and S. nepalense thrive under similar treatment as regards compost, but require a greenhouse temperature. Propagation may be effected by division of the roots, made as fresh growth is commencing. Except where otherwise indicated, the under-mentioned species are South African. S. aureum (golden).* fl. deep orange-colour, shaded with rich crimson. July and August, and continuing in perfection a long time. h. 1ft. or more. 1842. A fine plant. (P. M. B. xv. 31.) S. candidum (white). fl. white, very sweetly aromatic; sepals linear, spreading; petals smaller, ascending recurved at apex; lip inflated, obtuse.