The origin of the axillary bud primordium in nine species of Calanthe (Orchiclaccae) is cauline rather than of leaf origin, though the early stages of the bud is closely related with its associated leaf primordium above it. The first indication of the axillary bud is recognized by a pcriclinal division occuring in the third layer from the protoderm at the base of the second plastochron or from behind the second plastochron. The shell zone is obvious in the axillary bud at ej»rly stages of development.