Thunia bensoniae Hook.f. 1868 has been named by the famous English botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker in honour to the wife of General Benson in Burma (nowadays Myanmar), who was also an ambitious orchid collector.

The terrestrially growing Thunia bensoniae orchid species is native to India (Assam), Myanmar and Thailand. The pinkish-purple flowers, with a slightly unpleasant, acrid odor, get a size from 7 cm up to about 10 cm. Inflorescences carry up to 5 flowers. Flowering period: May - July. Thunia bensoniae orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The tropical cane orchid requires an intermediate – warm, humid climate, bright light and a good air movement to avoid leaf rot. With the beginning of the winter rest the plant will drop it leaves and die back, then the orchid should be kept dry and cool. Increase waterings if new growth appears in spring.

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Image: Thunia bensoniae Hook.f. 1868
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee