Thunia alba

Thunia alba commonly known as bamboo orchid is found around Taobam village. Paphiopedilum is found in Leimatak area. Orchids of the genus Thunia ( composed of 40-50 species ) are characterized by very long fleshy reed -like stems bearing two rows of foliage . They grow from the ground and can only occasionaliy climb on trees. Between 2-8 showy flowers appear on the apical inflorescence . Thunia alba has pure white large flowers ; their tubular lip is yellow on the inside and resembles Cattleya orchids in its appearance and fimbriated edges .Thunia alba psuedobulbs are small with new growths arising from the base of the psuedobulb or from the rhizome. They have large plicate leaves that can be ruffled as well and generally have a pretty out of bloom appearance.Thunia alba inflorescence arises from the base of the old psuedobulb or from the rhizome and has its flowers racemose at the end of the spike . Its bulky proportions make this species rather undesirable for cultivation . Thunia alba are mostly shade loving and terrestrial with a few epiphytes and generally like even watering. during the growing phase weekly fertilizer is reccomended year round.

Thunia alba require a heavier -than -average soil substrate and a substantial dry period (during which their aboveground body parts die completely ). Thunia alba blooms in the summer and its original home is India.