Epiphytic orchids

Habitat: Lowland, in damp, open forest and scrub; on tree trunks and branches, sometimes on rocks or cliffs. Throughout New Zealand.

Key features: Often dense mats of tiny hairy leaves attached to a bulb.

Habitat: Sparse in lowland kauri or podocarp forest on large trees, often high in the canopy. South to Nelson.

Key features: Small clumps of bulbs with a hairless leaf sticking out from the stem.

Habitat: On a wide range of host trees and on rocky outcrops; on foggy spurs or stream sides, from lowland to subalpine forest.

Key features: White roots leading from a clump of leaves sticking out from the stem or surface; leaves unspotted, flowers spotted.

Habitat: On a range of host trees. Widespread.

Key features: White roots leading from a clump of leaves sticking out from the stem or surface; leaves spotted, flowers un-spotted and seed capsules spotted.

Habitat: A common species on trees and shrubs or sometimes on rocks or terrestrial in forest and scrub. Thrives in deep shade.

Key features: Masses of strongly perfumed flowers on unbranched stems, leaves short and stout.

Habitat: Mainly coastal. Throughout.

Key features: Short column and broad channelled leaves on long unbranched stems. Yellow-green foliage, often erect rather than drooping.

Habitat: A common epiphyte on trees, shrubs, rocks and clay under scrub, often with E. autumnalis.

Key features: Flowers non or weakly scented on long unbranched stems, leaves narrow, spring flowering.

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

Key features: Large flower and masses of finely branched stems.

Habitat: Epiphyte on gorse, feijoa, southern magnolia and apple.

Key features: Small leafless epiphyte, as clumps of fine greenish-white roots