ADA AURANTIACA
[[Plate 53].]
Native of New Grenada.
Epiphytal. Pseudobulbs sub-cylindrical, tapering upwards, three to four inches long, sheathed with reddish scales at their base. Leaves terminal, channelled, broadly linear, four to six inches long, one to three in number. Scape terminal, longer than the leaves, bisquamate, bearing a drooping spike of from ten to fourteen rather distichously placed flowers, which have each a scariose lanceolate-subulate bract at its base. Flowers brightly coloured, the perianth closed below, and only opening in the upper part; sepals sub-equal, of a bright orange or cinnabar-red, spreading only from above the middle, linear-lanceolate, much acuminate, the lateral ones somewhat oblique at the base; petals smaller, but similar in form and colour; lip of the same bright orange-red, undivided, parallel with the column, and adnate to its base, lanceolate, shortly acuminate, scarcely half the length of the sepals, with a crest formed of two connate membranaceous lamellæ, pubescent inside near the base. Column short, thick, wingless; anther case hemispherical; pollen-masses two, obovate, seated on a cuneate caudicle, arising from a gland.
Ada aurantiaca, Lindley, Folia Orchidacea, art. Ada; Hooker, Botanical Magazine, t. 5435; Bateman, Second Century of Orchidaceous Plants, t. 113; André, L’Illustration Horticole, 3 ser., t. 107; Williams, Orchid Grower’s Manual, 5 ed., 62.
Mesospinidium aurantiacum, Reichenbach fil., in Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ, vi., 857.
This is the only member of the genus Ada with which we are yet acquainted, and even this is by some authorities referred to Mesospinidium. Whether forming a distinct genus or not, it is a well marked and charming Orchid, one by means of which a fine contrast of colour can be insured in the arrangements made for the decoration of our Orchid houses. The accompanying plate was taken from a fine specimen which bloomed in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, but as our page is limited in size only a portion of the plant could be represented. This plant bore twenty of its graceful and brilliantly-coloured spikes of flowers. When thus successfully cultivated no one could fail to admire the Ada aurantiaca, the more so as it is one of the Orchids which thrive in a cool house, and plants can be purchased at a very small cost.
Ada aurantiaca is an evergreen species of remarkably free habit. It grows about ten inches high, and has foliage of a fine dark green colour. It produces its flower spikes from the young growths, between the leaves, one or two together, the spikes being drooping towards the extremity and the flowers of a bright orange-scarlet colour. These flowers are produced during the winter and spring months, and last for several weeks in perfection.
The species is a native of New Grenada, where it is found at the great elevation of 8,000 feet, consequently it will grow well with Odontoglots under cool treatment. Some years ago it was very rare, but now, thanks to our collectors, it is more plentiful, and hence has become popular. It is a most important decorative plant on account of its colour, which, as a contrast, is especially useful when placed amongst the Odontoglots. We have found it most effective when it is brought into close association with the delicate colours of O. Alexandræ and O. Pescatorei the effect obtained by the intermixture is altogether charming.
The Ada requires the same treatment as the Odontoglots. The potting material best suited to its growth is good fibrous peat, with plenty of drainage. It will thrive either in a pot or in a basket, and in potting it should be well elevated above the rim, so that the roots can work freely among the material in which it is potted. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season, but on no account must the moisture be allowed to become stagnant, a condition which can be prevented by using charcoal mixed with the peat, which will keep the drainage open, and allow the water to pass off. If the soil should by any mischance become soddened it must be removed and fresh soil made use of, the roots at the same time being well washed previously to repotting.
Shade is very essential to the well being of the foliage, as the leaves are apt to go spotted if the sun is permitted to shine upon them. In its native country it is found in shady places, and hence will not bear full exposure, although in its artificial home it likes all the light possible.
Aërides Lobbii Ainsworthii.—We have received a grand spike of this beautiful Orchid from R. F. Ainsworth, Esq., M.D., of Lower Broughton, Manchester. It is one of the darkest and best varieties that has come under our notice. The same plant was exhibited a few years ago at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Show at Preston, and it was the admiration of every one who saw it. Mr. Mitchell, the gardener, informs us that it blooms in the same style every year. The spikes are more than two feet long, and well branched, while the colour of the flowers is very bright and effective, so that it makes a fine exhibition plant. This variety is much darker and brighter in its markings than the type.—B. S. W.