Arundina
(a diminutive of Arundo; in allusion to the Reed-like stems). ORD. Orchideae. A small genus (about five species) of erect, terrestrial, leafy Orchids, natives of the East Indies, South China, and the Malayan Archipelago. Flowers rather large, in terminal, loose, simple or rarely divided racemes; sepals sub-equal, free, spreading; petals similar or broader; lip erect at the base of the rather long, erect column, which is surrounded by the lateral lobes. Leaves flat, narrow or rather broad, sessile, with articulated sheaths. Stems erect, Reed-like, invested with the leaf-sheaths. Pseudo-bulbs wanting. The two species introduced should be grown in a cool part of the East Indian house. Rough, fibrous peat and loam form the best compost, as the plants are devoid of pseudo-bulbs, and require richer soil than many other Orchids. Copious supplies of water and plenty of light, but shading in hot sunshine, are essential to success in the culture of Arundinas. Propagation may be effected by divisions, or by potting the young plants that are produced on the stems.
A. bambusaefolia (Bamboo-leaved). fl. large; sepals and petals pale magenta-rose; lip rose, striped orange on either side the white throat. July to autumn. l. pale green, ensiform. Stems 3ft. to 5ft. high. Nepaul, Birma, &c. (W. O. A. iii. 139.) SYN. Bletia graminifolia.
A. densa (dense). fl. rosy-violet, as large as those of B. bambusae-folia, scented, the lip bordered crimson; raceme close, head-like. l. lanceolate, sub-equal, sheathing. Stems 3ft. high. Singapore, 1842. (B. R. 1842, 38.)