Chap. VIII.
CYPRIPEDIUM.
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large size, and is a compound organ as in all other Orchids.
The following remarks apply only to the six species which I have examined, namely, C. barbatum, purpuratum, insigne, venustum, pubescens and acaule; though I have casually looked at some other kinds. The basal part of the labellum is folded round the short
Fig. 35.
_-_Fig_35.png)
Cypripedium.
a'.a. anther.
a'. rudimentary, shield-like anther.
a'.s. stigma.
a'.l. labellum.
A. Flower viewed from above, with the sepals and petals, excepting the labellum, partly cut off. The labellum has been slightly depressed, so that the dorsal surface of the stigma is exposed; the edges of the labellum have thus become a little separated and the toe or extremity stands lower than is natural.
B. Side view of column, with all the sepals and petals removed.
column, so that its edges nearly meet along the dorsal surface; and the broad extremity is folded over in a peculiar manner, forming a sort of shoe, which closes up the end of the flower. Hence arises the English name of Ladies'-slipper. The overarching edges of the labellum are inflected or sometimes only smooth and
