New Zealand Native Orchids

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Dendrobium cunninghamii

Winika, Pekapeka, Ladies’ Slipper Orchid

Waimarama Brook Sanctuary. Photo: Rebecca Bowater
Photo: Rebecca Bowater
Recorded distribution
Recorded distribution

Plant

Usually epiphytic, forming large pendulous clumps. The branching, yellowish canes can grow to 2m or more from matted roots.

Flowers

To 30mm diameter. Petals and sepals white. Labellum broad, white, petaloid with a yellow base usually with purple column wings and 4 yellow-green, purple topped ribs to mid-lamina.

Flowering

December - January.

Habitat

Often high up, but can be on rocks and the ground in open scrub and forest

Conservation

Widespread, often locally common; not threatened.

Notes

Distinctive much branched stems

Key features

Large flower and masses of finely branched stems.

Photos

Waimarama Brook Sanctuary. Photo: Rebecca Bowater
Waimarama Brook Sanctuary. Photo: Rebecca Bowater
Waimarama Brook Sanctuary. Photo: Rebecca Bowater
Remutaka Summit Track 3 January 2022. Photo: Bill Campbell
Remutaka Summit Track 3 January 2022. Photo: Bill Campbell
Puffer Track, Kaitoke 30 December 2009. Photo: Bill Campbell
Main Ridge Track, Wainuiomata 31 December 2021. Photo: Bill Campbell
Main Ridge Track, Wainuiomata 31 December 2021. Photo: Bill Campbell
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Epiphytic orchids
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