Pterostylis agathicola
(living with kauri)

The 3-4 leaves are usually spreading, sometimes horizontal, and the labellum tip is unevenly constricted.

Like brumalis (q.v.) it has a mycorrhizal association with the kauri and is seldom found away from it.

Distribution: endemic - literally the range of the kauri - from the North Cape south to the Kaimai Ranges above Te Puke.

Flowers: August - September - insect pollinated.

Pterostylis banksii
(Joseph Banks, who with Solander, found it at Whitianga on 8 November 1769, during Cook's first voyage)

Possibly the largest species in the genus, certainly the largest in NZ.

Lateral sepals with long, spreading cauda.
Dorsal cauda ± horizontal.
Labellum tip flat.

Distribution: endemic - recorded from lowland forest in the North and South Is.

Flowers: October - November - insect pollinated

Pterostylis cardiostigma
(the heart-shaped stigma)

Flowerless plants, or plants in early bud, are easily confused with banksii, but when the flower is open there is no mistaking it.

Very erect and compact, not unlike a swamp bittern with its beak pointed to the sky.

The main points of identification are the lobed, heart-shaped stigma, usually smothered in pollen, and the short sepalar caudae

Distribution: endemic - North Is. from Waipoua to Wellington, frequently in montane forest and in exposed places

Flowers: October - November - self pollinated

Pterostylis graminea
(the grass-like leaves)

A very slender species with long narrow leaves which usually overtop the flowers.

Sepalar caudae shortly exceeding the galea.
Labellum tip obtuse, flat.

Distribution: endemic - North Is. southwards from Whangarei. South Is. Stewart Is.

Flowers: October - November - insect pollinated