COELOGYNE 
A large genus of evergreen epiphytical orchids, quite a number of the species 
being valued items in an orchid collection. They are found over a wide range of 
country and under varying climatic conditions which will be dealt with under the 
respective species-headings below. 
Best results are usually had from growing Coelogynes in shallow wooden baskets 
which allow the drooping racemes to hang over the sides; but they do well enough 
in pots. It is well to over-pot the members of this genus, thus giving them some 
years without disturbance, as they are rather slow at re-starting growth after 
having been repotted. For potting compost a good fibrous peat topped with sphag- 
num moss is ideal, but osmunda, todea, polypodium or other fibrous material may 
be used. I have seen cristata growing in a basket with no other potting material 
than sphagnum moss and the growth made was excellent. Then again I have seen 
a large plant of cristata growing over a piece of sandstone in a damp bushhouse, 
and it, too, was a fine healthy plant. But whatever compost is used, it is essential 
that ample drainage be provided, as a soggy, sour compost has a more quickly 
fatal effect on Coelogynes than on almost any other orchid I know. 
COELOGYNE ASPERATA. Native of Borneo. 
A large growing and attractive species which is usually found a little difficult to 
cultivate satisfactorily. The pseudobulbs are very large, often growing to a length of 
from 10 to 12 inches. They are thick and fleshy, oblong in shape, but stretching 
out at the apex which is surmounted by two long, broad, lance-shaped leaves, dull 
green in colour. The racemes are from twelve to fourteen inches long and proceed 
from the base of the matured pseudobulbs. They are pendulous and carry up to a 
dozen (or even more) large blooms of which the sepals and petals are a pleasing 
deep cream or yellow colour. The lip has the same basic colour, but has a bright 
orange ridge from which run reddish brown or chocolate veins. ‘This species must 
be well over-potted, as it requires ample root room. Its natural habitat is on 
trees growing in or close to swamps and marshes in the forest country in the 
main coastal areas of Borneo. It has also been reported as growing on the man- 
groves on the coastal mud flats of the island. Borneo is situated right on the 
equator so that there is practically no difference between Summer and Winter, 
and the rainfall is heavy through the year as the following table shows:— 
Temperature Temperature 
Month Lowest Highest Rainfall Month Lowest Highest Rainfall 
Nae, eee 73 40. 92° 114 inches July ....... 71 t0 SF 64 inches 
il: OE FA id ce Page es, ZS \ ori hae gee 
March... Fa nes fas 0 ieee 730.40 ere 
April ...... ee Te ee Ae teat 7k 54 9 ee 
Mayr oni: 74 45, 94 MACs isp Nowe rik. 74 3» 93 16° 
ete. 72°) se Oe 9 be Pee) sux 74-55 OO 14 
It is obvious, therefore, that if this plant is to be grown satisfactorily, it will 
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