Bonatea Willd. 1805

Tribe: ORCHIDEAE

Subtribe: HABENARIINAE

Country: Ethiopia, Yemen,

There are about nine to ten terrestrial species in this African genus. Medium to large orchids which grow from underground tubers which die down in the drier months only to emerge at the onset of wetter times. All species produce green-and-white flowers. The plants resemble Habenaria in appearance.

Plants require a deep pot with tubers planted at 10cm and careful attention is required when the leaves drop to move to an area where they will be protected from watering. Keep the pots barely moist for several months and then commence watering enough to stimulate the new growth. Once the leaves are growing well watering and fertilizing can be stepped up.