PP SE 
IPSEA SPECIOSA. Native of Ceylon and India. 
One of the loveliest of the ground orchids, Ipsea speciosa belongs to the sub-tribe 
Phajeae. It grows on the tablelands and mountain slopes, between the elevations 
of 3,000 and 6,000 feet, from a fleshy, tuberous-rooted rhizome about half an 
inch to an inch in diameter, from which in late Summer spring one or two—and 
sometimes three—narrow, lanceolate, prominently plaited leaves, which look some- 
thing like those of a young date palm. They grow from 10 to 16 inches in length 
and about 3 inch in width. The flower spike springs from an underground tuber, 
usually in the Autumn or late Spring. It bears from one to three large, fragrant 
flowers from 24 to 34 inches across. The sepals and petals are bright yellow, the 
edges of the large, three-lobed lip being tipped with scarlet. I have found that 
it takes three years to acclimatise this orchid. The best compost I found to be 
a good, sandy, creek-bank soil mixed with broken crocks, crumpled cow-dung 
with a liberal mixing of “bulb fibre.” Plants, grown in this compost and 
left undisturbed, have become more vigorous each year, and flowered the third 
year after planting. Plant in a good large pot and do not disturb. Fresh compost 
can be added to the top each Spring. Water sparingly at all times, and keep 
practically dry during the Winter months. In Brisbane I grow them out in the 
open under a tree, which breaks the noon sun. In Sydney they would also do 
outside in a sheltered spot, but in Melbourne and Adelaide glasshouse treatment 
is necessary. 
LAE Dba 
The Laelias are a genus of beautiful epiphytical orchids closely allied to the Cat- 
tleyas, from which genus they differ but slightly—such difference being merely 
the botanical fact that the Laelias have four pairs of pollen-masses, whereas the 
Cattleyas have but two. 
Although the genus has numerous species, very few of these are grown locally, 
most growers confining their attention to one or more varieties of Laelia anceps. 
The idea is held that Laelias are more difficult to cultivate than the Cattleyas, but 
there is no good reason for holding this view, as, actually, almost any species of 
Laelia should thrive in an ordinary Brisbane bushhouse except in those areas sub- 
ject to frosts. 
For purposes of general cultural notes the genus may be divided into two groups, 
the first consisting of the Mexican and Guatemalan species, and the second those 
that grow in Brazil and other parts of tropical South America. For the second 
group the general treatment prescribed for Cattleyas will serve quite well. For 
the first group, however, some variation of those methods is desirable. 
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