Probably the best method is to attach it to a block of tree fern or a raft, and 
hang it in the moistest part of a glasshouse—an umbrella-like shade over the 
§ P & 
plant may help to reproduce its natural conditions somewhat. 
AERIDES VIRENS (a form of A. odoratum). 
A Javanese species with long strap-shaped, channelled and recurved leaves. Racemes 
long and drooping. Flowers numerous and fragrant. Sepals and petals peach- 
coloured with purple tips. Lip large, white, dotted with crimson, side lobes toothed. 
Flowers late Spring and Summer. (var. Dayanum. Flowers larger and brighter 
in colour). 
Temperature 60° minimum to 80° maximum. Being so close to the Equator the 
temperature of Java is one of great evenness, the total variation between Summer 
and Winter being not more than four degrees, both in minimum and maximum. 
Rainfall is fairly copious throughout the year, in some parts the minimum average 
being about three inches in the driest month. On the north-eastern point of the 
island, however, there is somewhat less rain than on the southern and western 
coasts, the inland highlands being responsible for this. Aerides virens is found 
on the jungle clad slopes of the hills, usually on tallish trees, which protect it 
from the midday sun. 
The species will grow well under bushhouse conditions in places north of Bris- 
bane and even in the warmer parts of that city. In the colder parts and in places 
south of Brisbane, glasshouse and hothouse treatment is desirable. Copious water- 
ing is desirable during the warm months, and the plant should not be allowed to 
become quite dry, even in Winter, although a minimum of water is necessary at 
that period. 
ANGRAECUM and ALLIED GENERA 
This genus comprises some of the most interesting and remarkable orchids known. 
Most of the species are natives of the east coast of Africa and Madagascar. They 
are epiphytes and all the species have an extensive root system necessitating ample 
pot room. . 
The usual compost is made up of large pieces of broken crocks and charcoal and 
a topping of sphagnum moss. The addition of osmunda, todea or cocoanut fibre 
and large pieces of dried dung will be found advantageous. 
All the species grow naturally in a humid atmosphere. Generally speaking, only 
eburneum and sesquipedale are grown here, but all the species dealt with herein 
are worth growing if they can be had. Unfortunately, the members of this genus 
are not good travellers, so that although the plants are plentiful in their native 
regions, they are not easy to obtain in Australia. 
36 
