The mountains of western Thailand and Myanmar are home to a long
described, yet rare species of cane orchid, Thunia bensoniae.
This genus, totally confided to southeast Asia, has only 6 known
species and a handful of hybrids. These orchids have a bamboo-
like look about them, and are deciduous in the winter months. T.
bensoniae is one of the more showy species, sporting large
Cattleya-like purple/pink flowers. In late winter or early
spring new growths sprout from the base of completely leafless,
sheath covered canes. These canes are dark brown and life-less
looking. Their base is slightly bulbous and by winter’s end the
previous season’s roots are all dead. The curious new growths
start as bunches of short leafy bracts and are a light blue
green color. As the season progresses, they expand to form an
elongated cane-shaped growth with 10 or more lanceolate, yet
broad leaves, soft to the touch. The newly formed cane within
remains relatively soft as well until full maturity in the fall
at which point it hardens