EPIDENDRUM and ALLIED GENERA 
This is a very extensive genus of orchids, something approaching 500 different 
species having been listed. The greater part of these are of botanical interest 
only—and indeed in Australia very few members of this genus are grown. Pos- 
sibly better communicational services with Central and Southern America will 
enable a greater variety of species to be made available to Australian growers. 
There are three types of plant, one with long reedy stems clothed with ever- 
green leaves (as seen in the hybrids, E. Boundii and E. O’Brienianum so exten- 
sively grown in Queensland), another with short round pseudobulbs topped with 
two or three long narrow leaves (as exemplified in E. atropurpurea, often 
seen here), while the third type is after the manner of the Cattleyas with upright 
stems having two or three stout oval leaves at the top (E. bicornutum is one of 
this type, and has occasionally been sold as a Cattleya either in ignorance of its true 
nature, or with intent to deceive). 
The Queensland climate from Brisbane northwards is well suited to their require- 
ments, and practically all the varieties will do well enough in a sunny bushhouse 
throughout the State. In the South glasshouse conditions are necessary, some 
species needing artificial heating in the colder months. Most of the reedy type 
can be treated as garden plants, provided they are planted in a warm, sunny place, 
and attention is given to their water requirements. 
The reed-like species generally like cool treatment, and are suitable subjects for 
bushhouse or out-door cultivation. The pseudobulbous type generally prefer 
slightly warmer conditions and, though they will grow well enough in a bushhouse 
in the warmer parts of Brisbane and elsewhere, will develop more quickly and 
flower more freely in a glasshouse. An exception is Epidendrum vitellinum, a 
very beautiful orchid which requires very cool moist conditions, 
The Cattleya-like type requires still warmer treatment, and glasshouse culture is 
desirable for it, with heat in the colder localities. 
All species like a maximum of light and the reedy types revel in sunlight. The 
other types prefer less direct sun, particularly in the warmer part of the day, but 
a little early morning sun will not hurt them. 
The reedy type is not very particular as to compost, but a mixture of peat with 
a few lumps of well dried dung and a little leaf-mould or fibrous loam gives good 
results. The other types do well in osmunda fibre or good fibrous peat. 
The water requirements are somewhat similar to those for the Cattleyas—ample 
water through the Summer season, slackening through the Autumn, and with a 
defined dry resting period in the Winter. E. vitellinum is an exception again, 
as it needs moist conditions throughout the year. The following are the best 
species, and worthy of inclusion in any collection. 
EPIDENDRUM ATROPURPUREA. Native of Central America, Colombia, and 
Venezuela, 
One of the finest of the species and worthy of inclusion in any collection. 
168 
