Odontoglossum brevifolium, _Lindley_ in _Bentham’s Plantæ Hartwegianæ_, 152; _Id._ _Folia Orchidacea_, art. _Odontoglossum_ no. 61; _André_ in _Illustration Horticole_, 3 ser. t. 170; _Reichenbach, fil._, in _Walpers’ Annales Botanices Systematicæ_. vi. 846.
This very distinct species was first found by Hartweg, on the Peruvian Andes, near Loxa, and was described by Lindley, in Mr. Bentham’s account of the plants collected by that traveller. It appears to have been introduced by M. Linden, and to have been first flowered in his establishment, the figure published in _L’Illustration Horticole_ having been derived from this source. The small compressed pseudobulbs are formed at the end of a sucker or offshoot, which is invested by large membranous bracts or scales, the upper of which covering the base of the flower-scape is somewhat broader and leaf-like.
This Odontoglot ranks among the most distinct species of its genus, as may indeed be seen by a glance at our illustration. It produces dense spikes of its beautiful flowers, which are more in the way of those of _Odontoglossum coronarium_ than of any other cultivated species; it, however, blooms more freely. The spike of flowers we have here represented was sent to us by Mons. F. Massange, of Liége, in whose collection the gardener—Mr. Kramer—induces it to flower freely every year. M. Massange is a great _connoisseur_ of Orchids, and in his collection are to be found many rare and valuable specimens, which have been frequently exhibited during the past few years, including the Liége Exhibition of 1881.
_Odontoglossum brevifolium_ is a dwarf growing plant, and produces its erect spikes of flowers from the side of the pseudobulbs. There were seventeen blossoms on that which is here represented. The sepals and petals are of a bright chestnut-brown, margined and slightly marked near the base with yellow, the lip is rich yellow with two light brown patches at its base. It is altogether a strikingly showy plant, and one that should be always cultivated amongst Odontoglots for its distinctness of colouring.
The treatment which we find to suit the plant, is to grow it in a basket suspended from the roof, as it requires and enjoys all the light that can be given to it; but, of course, it needs to be shaded from the burning sun. The most suitable material in which to grow the plant is sphagnum moss and fibrous peat. It requires also a good supply of water in the growing season, so that it must be thoroughly drained. It thrives best in a cool house in which the same temperature is maintained as is found congenial to _Odontoglossum Alexandræ_, and others of that class.