PTEROSTYLIS RUFA. Native of Queensland, New South Wales, South Aus- 
tralia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. 
Grows in a basal rosette which is usually withered by the time the flowers open. 
Stem, up to about 10 inches tall, bears three or four flowers of good size, which 
are usually green marked with red-brown, but sometimes greenish-white lined 
with red-brown. Tongue very sensitive, tip turned upwards, the edges fringed 
with short hairs, while two long erect hairs rise from the base. Tips of the lower 
sepals extended into long hair-like tails which vary in length. Flowers in Summer. 
PTEROSTYLIS VITTATA. Native of Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and 
Western Australia. 
An attractive species something like P. grandiflora in appearance, but much stouter 
in growth, the basal and stem leaves being broader. Stem grows up to 15 inches 
in height, and bears up to eight somewhat nutant flowers of good size. These are 
variously reddish-brown, grey-green or green with brown bands. Tongue sensitive 
with a spike at the base. The Western Australian varieties are particularly attrac- 
tive. Flowers in Autumn and Winter. . 
PTEROSTYLIS WOOLLSII. Native of New South Wales and Victoria. 
Grows from a rosette, the slender, bracted stem bearing three to five (or 
more) smallish flowers, usually gregn marked with yellowish-brown, or wholly 
red-brown in colour. The striking feature of these is that the sepals are terminated 
with very long, wavy tails up to 34 or 4 inches long. Flowers in Spring and 
Summer. 
There are a few other species, but they are rarely seen. 
RENANTHERA 
A small genus of epiphytical evergreen orchids having brilliantly coloured flowers. 
The species best known to Australian growers are Imschootiana and Storiei, 
neither of which presents much difficulty in culture. The finest species is R. 
coccinea, but unfortunately it is a difficult subject to grow, and a very shy 
bloomer under cultivation. 
The Renantheras thrive best under warm, moist conditions, but R. Imschootiana 
and Storiei do well enough in an open, sunny bushhouse in the warmer parts of 
Brisbane. 
For compost a little fibrous peat or osmunda with which is mixed a few lumps of 
well dried dung will suit them. Ample drainage of crocks and charcoal must be 
provided. Plenty of light is essential, and a little direct sunshine will not harm 
them. In the Summer time copious water is necessary, but in Winter they must 
262 
