far North it will be necessary to provide cool treatment, though they soon accus- 
tom themselves to changed conditions. The two species worth growing are:— 
BLETILLA STRIATA (syn: Bletia byacinthina). Native of China and Japan. 
A fine plant somewhat resembling Calanthe veratrifolia in appearance, but de- 
ciduous. Flower scapes about a foot long, each carrying a number of blooms. 
Sepals and petals rose-purple. Lip purple with white and red bands and a broad 
edge of deep crimson. 
BLETILLA STRIATA, var. alba (syn: Bletia hyacinthina albo-striata). 
Similar in all respects to the above except that the nerves are white, creating 
a rather lovely striped effect. Both species flower freely and two or three of each 
of these plants placed together make a fine show of colour when in full bloom. 
BRASSAVOLA 
A genus of epiphytical plants allied to the Cattleyas. Although a number of the 
species are quite beautiful, only two of them are grown to any extent in Aus- 
tralian collections, and of these one (Glauca) is only very rarely seen. 
This species, and more particularly species Dighyana, have been used to make the 
well known Brasso-Cattleya hybrids. 
In Brisbane (and certainly in North Queensland) they will do well enough in a 
bushhouse, but the extra warmth given by a glasshouse tends to quicken devel- 
opment. They need plenty of light and so should be suspended as near to the roof 
as possible. In Sydney it may be desirable to transfer to glass for the 
Winter. Like all the Cattleya group, a defined resting period is needed for 
their well-being. The growing period commences in Spring and, so soon as the 
new growth has commenced to show its roots, water should be applied, increasing 
in quantity throughout the growing period. When the pseudobulb has reached 
full growth, a sheath will appear at the top (in well grown plants) from which 
a single large flower should spring. Watering may continue copiously until the 
flower has opened, but care should be taken to see that water does not lodge in 
the sheath in badly ventilated houses, as there is then a possibility of “damping 
off.” When the air circulation is good there is little risk of this. 
The plants of this genus grow well either in a pot, a basket, or on blocks of hard- 
wood or tree fern. When potted see that ample drainage is given, with the crocks 
placed on edge to allow of free passage of excess water. For compost, either 
osmunda, todea or polypodium fibre (or a mixture of two or all of these), rammed 
firmly into the container, makes a suitable growing medium. The plant should be 
potted firmly and a topping of sphagnum moss will help to conserve moisture. 
Care should be taken to see that all dead or diseased or broken roots are removed. 
The fibre may be chopped finely and mixed with fine cut sphagnum moss; or it 
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