growth or two will be seen at the base of the old bulb. When this is about $ to 
1 inch long watering can be recommenced. By reason of their vigorous root 
growth they are best suited by a rich compost consisting of loam, leaf-mould, 
and well rotted dung in about equal quantities. Good drainage is necessary, and 
ample room should be provided for root growth. Many growers repot annually. 
If a plant has flowered, I believe in repotting the next Spring. But where for any 
reason no bloom has been produced I prefer to leave the plants undisturbed 
for two successive years. Frequently the richness of the compost, and perhaps a 
slight variation from normal weather conditions, cause the plant to expend all 
of its effort in the development of strong bulbs. If these are left undisturbed 
they almost invariably flower the following Summer or Autumn, whereas, if they 
are repotted in a further rich compost, they again make an extraordinarily large 
bulb at the expense of flowers. 
The evergreen species do not require so defined a resting period, and, if water is 
applied just sufficiently to prevent the compost from becoming dry, they will 
carry over quite well. They do not require repotting as often as the deciduous 
type and, providing they are planted in a reasonably large pot or pan in good 
compost, they will go for three years without repotting, particularly if weak liquid 
cow manure is applied, say fortnightly, after seasonal growth has got well under 
way. This genus has had the attention of skilled hybridisers and as a result some 
of the hybrids are better known and are more often grown than many of the 
species, 
CALANTHE FURCATA. Native of Java, Borneo and the Philippines. 
One of the evergreen type. A large plant with long ovate leaves with deep fan- 
like folds. Flower spikes long (about 2ft. 6ins. to 3ft.), bearing numerous 
flowers, creamy white in colour. Very like our native veratrifolia in shape, but 
having larger lateral lobes in the labellum. Requires moist, warm conditions with 
ample water in Summer. Flowers in Summer and early Autumn. Should grow in 
bushhouse in North Queensland, but prefers glasshouse treatment in Brisbane and 
hothouse in the South. 
CALANTHE MASUCA. Native of Nepal, Sikkim, and Southern India. 
A beautiful species of the evergreen type. Although found in Nepal and Sikkim, 
it inhabits the deep gorges where the temperature is humid and moist. Flower 
spike about half-a-yard or more in length. Blooms plentiful. Sepals and petals 
deep violet in shade, becoming lighter to a lilac tone with age; lip rich purple. 
Blooms in midsummer. Same treatment as prescribed for furcata. 
CALANTHE ROSEA. (Syn. Limatodes rosea). Native of Moulmein (Lower 
Burma). 
This plant is really a member of the small genus Limatodes, but as it is usually 
referred to as Calanthe rosea 1 have included it here. A deciduous species, the 
flower spikes being developed plentifully from the base of the matured pseudo- 
bulbs after the leaves have been shed at the approach of Winter. The flowers are 
- 48 
