ABSTRACT
South Africa is richly endowed with orchids. More than 430 species belonging to 53 genera are found in a variety of habitats. Many of the epiphytes are adapted to make use of the water vapour present in the air, both as a source of water and as the driving force in the important evaporation of water from the leaves. Observation of the growing habitat at different times of the year will yield useful indications of the preference of the orchids. In the dryer parts of the summer rainfall area stands of Acacia trees, herbs and grasses form this type of habitat while moister conditions are found in the coastal woodland areas. In colder, dryer areas the epiphytic species and terrestrial species from moist, warm forest habitats should be grown in a greenhouse. Plants are sensitive to chlorine and municipal water should be allowed to stand in an open tank for 2 or 3 days before using it.
