THUNIA 
A very attractive genus of epiphytical orchids closely allied to Phaius, with which 
they are often included. They grow very easily, but sometimes are shy at flower- 
ing, probably due to incorrect treatment during the period when the plant is 
preparing to rest. Though really epiphytes they do best when treated as terres- 
trials and potted in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, dried cow-dung, and fibrous 
peat. The addition of a little bone-meal to the compost leads to quicker and more 
robust growth. Once growth is evident watering should be commenced, the 
quantity increasing with the progress of the growth until at maturity the com- 
post is always thoroughly moist. Light, airy conditions are necessary for the 
successful growing of Thunias, and in Brisbane they do best when grown out 
in the open exposed to the full light of the sun. The flowers appear on short, 
terminal racemes as soon as the season’s growths are complete. After flowering 
(or ofttimes without flowering) the leaves commence to turn brown and fall. 
From this time the water should be reduced, and by the beginning of the Winter 
period it should have ceased altogether. While the leaves are decaying the plants 
must have all the light and air available, as on this depends the quality of the 
new season’s growth, and the probability of flowering them. After the leaves 
have all fallen the plant may be moved to a place where it will be protected from 
water for the resting period—but don’t forget it is there when Spring comes 
around again. 
THUNIA ALBA. Native of Northern India, Burma, etc. 
A free growing species with terete, tapering stems from 2 to 3 feet high, fur- 
nished with narrow, oblong, pointed, pale green leaves about 6 inches in length, 
with a fine, bluish-green bloom underneath. Flowers are produced in a dense, 
pendulous cluster from the apex of the stem, about a dozen (or more) at a time. 
These are about 3 to 4 inches across when open, but owing to the large boat- 
shaped bract it often happens that they do not open fully. Sepals and petals 
oblong-lanceolate and pure white. Sides of lip curl over the column, the front 
part being expanded with wavy margins. White tinged with pale purple. 
THUNIA ALBA var. NIVALIS. Native of Sylhet. 
Stems shorter but otherwise similar to those of the other species. Racemes produce 
five or six pure white flowers about 4 to 5 inches across. Flowers in Summer. 
THUNIA BENSONIAE. Native of Burma. 
A beautiful series of same habit as T. alba. Drooping racemes carry up to 18 
flowers between 4 and § inches across. Sepals and petals narrowly oblong and 
spreading. In colour they are bright red-purple, becoming paler at the base. 
Trilobed lip is large and spreading in front, the side lobes being curled over the 
column. Rich magenta-purple in front, the frilled margin being deeper, the base 
white with yellow keels on the disk. Flowers in midsummer. 
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