Orchid Spotlight: Catasetum maculatum

CATASETUM MACULATUM

SPOTTED CATASETUM

TRIBUS: VANDEAE - Lindley.

CATASETUM. - Richard, in Kunth Synops. I. 330. Lindley, Gen. et Species Orch. 136.

DESCRIPTION

AN EPIPHYTE. PSEUOBULBS large and inclining to be globular, each bearing several broadly lanceolate, plicated, acute LEAVES, of a foot or a foot and a half in length. SCAPES radical, about the same length as the leaves, bearing from 4 to 8 flowers. SEPALS narrow, acuminate, the lateral ones arched after the manner of the half of a bow, whitish on the outer side, and faintly spotted with claret color on the inner; PETALS broader than the sepals, with blotches of a clear reddish chestnut hue. LlP cucullate, with a small circular opening on its face (the sides of which are delicately fringed), and furnished in front with a not very prominent tooth; the lip is of a uniform yellowish green on the outside, but is dark brown, approaching to black, within. COLUMN erect, nearly straight, bearing two short and stout bristles, which point downwards and lean towards each other, with their extremities almost touching; spotted on the back after the manner of a frog.

Although the figure on the opposite side does not exactly agree with the description of Catasetum maculatum given by M. Kunth in his Synopsis, still we have little or no doubt that we are correct in referring it to that species; and we have, moreover, the satisfaction of knowing that the opinion of Professor “setse," bristles, the column of all the species being furnished with two processes like hair which point downwards.

Lindley on this point coincides with our own. The only discrepancies of any moment are, that M. Kunth's plant is described as having serrated petals, and leaves only three inches long. Now, as to the latter character, it is too variable in this genus to be of any weight; and as to the former, we apprehend there must be some mistake, for no such a thing as a "serrated petal" has, we believe, ever been seen amongst Orchidaceae. The nearest affinity of this species is, undoubtedly, with Catasetum tridentatum; but from that it is easily distinguished, by the fringed margin of its lip (the apex of which terminates in a single tooth), and by its sepals and petals, which stand away from, and clear of, the lip, instead of half concealing it.

Catasetum maculatum was originally discovered by Humboldt, near the town of Turbaco, in New Grenada (and at that time was the only Catasetum known); but Mr. Skinner, who met with it on the eastern coast of Nicaragua, has the merit of having introduced it into this country; and our figure is taken from a plant which we received from him in the summer of 1836, and which flowered in the following winter. Having had occasion, in these remarks, to mention the name of the Baron Von Humboldt, we cannot deny ourselves the satisfaction of taking this opportunity of alluding, in terms of the most respectful gratitude, to the courtesy and kindness with which we were received by that illustrious traveler, when we visited Berlin in 1836. How deep was the admiration with which we gazed on his expressive countenance! and how great was our wonder when we found nothing to lead us to conclude that the perils and hardships of his long and laborious life had in any way impaired his physical energies, or damped the scientific ardor of his mind! His recollection of the scenes and incidents of his travels in South America (anno 1799), seemed as fresh as if he had returned but yesterday from those sultry shores! of the truth of which observation, the following anecdote will furnish a good illustration. Having had occasion to put a question to him respecting the Orchidaceae of a portion of Columbia, he at once proceeded to name the different genera and species which it contained, and to point out their respective localities, with such ease and precision, that one would almost have supposed Botany to have been his only study, and the Orchidaceae, his favorite tribe: this will appear not a little remarkable, when we remember that there is scarcely a science with which he is not even more familiar than with Botany.

Nothing can be easier to cultivate than the different species of Catasetum; they flower profusely alike under damp or dry, under hot or cold treatment; perhaps, however, they attain their highest vigor if subjected during the summer to a powerful moist heat, with a plentiful supply of water; but in the winter they should be kept tolerably dry.

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List of Original Subscribers

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala was one of the most revolutionary orchid books of it's time when it was first published in the mid-19th century.  Only 125 copies of the first edition were ever produced.  Fortunately, a new softcover edition is now available for purchase.

Here is a list of the original purchasers of the first edition of The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala:

The Top 20 Royalty of the Era

• Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen Dowager.
• His Majesty the King of the Belgians.
• His Serene Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
• His Grace the Duke of Bedford.
• His Grace the Duke of Devonshire.
• His Grace the Duke of Marlborough.
• His Grace the Duke of Northumberland.
• His Grace the Duke of Sutherland.
• Right Hon. the Earl of Derby.
• Right Hon. the Earl Fitzwilliam.
• Right Hon. the Earl Talbot.
• Right Hon. the Earl of Powis.
• Right Hon. the Earl of Burlington.
• The Lady Grey, of Groby.
• The Lady Rolle.
• Right Hon. Viscount Milton.
• Right Hon. Viscount Lowther.
• The Baron Von Humboldt, Berlin.
• The Count Torlonia, Rome.
• The Baron Delessert, Paris.

Lesser Royals and Wealthy Patrons

• Sir P. De Malpas Grey Egerton, Bart., M. P.
• Sir Charles Lemon, Bart., M. P.
• Sir J. R. REID, Bart., M. P.
• Adderley, Mrs., Barlaston Hall, Staffordshire.
• Allcard, John, Esq., Stratford Green.
• Butt, Rev. Thomas, Trentham, Stafordshire.
• Birley, H. H., Esq., Swinton Park, Manchester.
• Bow, W., Esq., Millbert Villa, Broughton.
• Brocklehurst, T., Esq., The Fence, Macclesfield.
• Baxter, R., Esq., Dee Hill, Chester.
• Barclay, R., Esq., Lombard Street.
• Barker, G., Esq., F. R. S., Springfield Birmingham.
• Brewen, R., Esq., Leicester.
• Baker, T. J., Lloyd, Esq., Hardwick Court, Gloucester.
• Botfield, Beriah, Esq., Norton Hall, Daventry.
• Crossley, L. T., Esq., Olive Mount, Liverpool.
• Clowes, Rev. J. Broughton, Manchester.
• Cheetham's Library, Manchester.
• Copeland, Alderman, M. P., Lincoln's Inn Fields.
• Compton, G., Esq., Milan.
• Cox, Frederick G., Esq., Bennett's Hill, Doctors' Commons.
• Davenport, Charles, Esq., Tunstall, Staffordshire.
• Daubeny, Professor, Oxford.
• Digby, E., Esq.
• Edwards, Rev. E. J., Trentham, Staffordshire.
• Egerton, W., Esq., Tatton Park, Cheshire.
• Fielding, W. B., Esq., Stodday Lodge, Lancaster.
• Glegg, Mrs., Rostherne Hall, Cheshire.
• Grundy, Miss, Seedfield, Bury.
• Gould, R., Esq., Manchester.
• Grant, D., Esq., Manchester.
• Grant, W., Esq., Springside, Bury.
• Glegg, J. B., Esq., Withington Hall, Cheshire.
• Holt, Miss, Redivals, Bury.
• Harter, J. C, Esq., Broughton Hall.
• Horticultural Society, The, 21, Regent Street.
• Harrison, R., Esq., Aigburgh, Liverpool.
• Horsfall, C, Esq., Everton, Liverpool.
• Holford, R. S., Esq., Weston Birt, Gloucestershire.
• Hodges, Twisden, Esq.
• Kinnersley, Mrs., Clough Hall, Staffordshire.
• Kean, Mrs., Rowley Hall, Staffordshire.
• Lloyd, Edward, Esq., Cheetham Hill, Manchester.
• Leaf, W., Esq., Old Change.
• Lawrence, Mrs., Whitehall Place.
• Llewellyn, J. D., Esq., F. R. S., Penllargare, Swansea.
• Loddiges, Messrs., Hackney.
• Legh, G. C, Esq., M. P., High Legh, Cheshire.
• Moss, John, Esq., Otterspool, Liverpool.
• Minton, Herbert, Esq., Stoke-upon-Trent.
• Morris, Valentine, Esq., St. Mary-at-Hill.
• Portico Library, The, Manchester.
• Perkins, F., Esq., Southwark.
• Schofield, W. T., Esq., Manchester.
• Solly, R. H., Esq., F. R. S., Great Ormond Street.
• Shirley, E. P., Esq., M. P., Eatington Park, Warwickshire.
• Sparrow, Miss, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.
• Splitgerber, D., Esq.
• Tomlinson, J., Esq., Cliff Ville, Newcastle-under-Lyne.
• Van Marum, Dr. M., Taylerian Library.
• Van der Hoop, M. Amsterdam.
• Williamson, H. H., Esq., Greenway Bank, Staffordshire.
• Wilbraham, Mrs., Rode Hall, Cheshire.
• Walker, J. H., Esq.
• Warner, T. Esq.
• Walker, G. Esq.
• Wailes, G., Esq., Newcastle.
• Wilson, Christopher, Esq., Rigmaden Park, Kirby Lonsdale.
• Wood, W. E. Collins, Esq., Keithwick, Perth.
• Wilmore, J., Esq., Oldford, Manchester.
• Walker, J. G., Esq.

Booksellers

• Black and Armstrong, Messrs., 1 copy.
• Simpkin and Marshall, Messrs., 2 copies.
• Longman and Co., Messrs., 2 copies.
• Reddall, Mrs. A. B., Congleton.
• Rawson, Christopher, Esq., Hope House, Halifax.
• Russell, J. Watts, Esq., Earn Hall, Staffordshire. I Bohn, Henry, G., 10 copies
• Rucker, S., Esq., Wandsworth. Godwin, Mr. (Bath), 1 copy.

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Press Release - Orchid-mania is Back

For Immediate Release

Contact:  John Denson  785-492-9277
                 john@johndensonRLA.com

Orchid-mania is Back

Orchid hobbyists are always looking for the finest books to help them learn more about their orchid collections.  The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala was written for the most discriminating orchid fanciers of all - European royalty.  In the 19th century, the Queen of England tasked orchid grower James Bateman with the massive task of describing new orchid species that were rapidly being discovered in Mexico and Guatemala by professional collectors.  Bateman worked with the finest artists, explorers, and scientists of his day to assemble one of the most important botanical works of all time.

Bateman described 40 species of exotic orchids in detail and explained how to successfully grow the temperamental tropical plants in England, which had been nearly impossible until after the publication of the work.  Detailed and beautifully rendered botanical illustrations accompany each orchid species. 

Only 125 original copies were printed in the 19th century, making The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala one of the rarest orchid books ever produced.  The list of purchasers reads like a who’s who of English and European celebrities in the mid 19th century.  Unfortunately, the original book is very rare and costly.  An original copy sold for $170,000 in 2002 by Christie’s at auction.  Fortunately, the book is now available as a reprinted softcover book.

James Bateman was a wealthy orchid hobbyist and amateur botanists who funded several orchid expeditions to Mexico and northern South America.  In addition to The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala, Bateman also published two other orchids books that helped spark Orchid-mania in Europe.

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala is available exclusively for a limited time from www.Lulu.com for $64.95.

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The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala by James Bateman.  Second Edition.  8 1/2 x 11, 175 pages, 40 color illustrations.  ISBN 978-0-557-65983-8.  $64.95.  See our press room for a 300 DPI TIF of the cover.

The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala Blog:  http://orchidsofmexicoandguatemala.blogspot.com/

Orchid T-Shirt Design - New Design

New orchid T-shirt designs are ready.  Inspired by the fine botanical illustrations in the book The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala, these shirts and gifts are sure to delight orchid lovers everywhere.

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Purchase t-shirts and other orchid gifts inspired by artwork featured in The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala.  These shirts and gifts make great Christmas gifts. Available in mens and womens sizes.

Other Orchid Gifts

Coffee mugs, tote, bags, and other orchid-themed gifts are available from our gift shop.  The artwork featured on these gifts is inspired by the botanical illustrations in The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala.  Use them for Christmas gifts or orchid society prizes.

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Now Available - The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala by James Bateman

The long-awaited reprinting of the famous book The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala is now available for purchase.  The Orchids of Mexico and Guatemala was originally published in the mid-19th century in England by James Bateman and was one of the first orchid books to feature beautiful botanic illustrations.  Now, you can own a piece of history and enjoy this fine work.