Raupeka - Easter orchid - Earina autumnalis
This lovely little raupeka seemed to be growing on the ground which would be unusual but closer inspection revealed it was growing on a fallen log buried in the sand. It probably started growing on the log when it was still on the tree and has continued to grow even after the log has fallen. The Lake Brunner forest was heady with the scent of these orchids on this day.
Epiphytic. Stems to 80cm long, usually less. Erect if short, drooping if long. Roots fibrous rhizomes.
Leaves: 4-12cm long by 5-8mm wide. Glossy dark green. Widest near the base, narrowing towards the tip.
Flowers: Panicle to 10cm long with many flowers 5mm across. White and waxy, with yellow or orange markings on the labellum and column. Very fragrant. February – May.
Habitat: Trunks and branches in lowland to montane forests, sometimes also on rocks and banks and will continue to grow on the ground on fallen branches. Not Threatened. Common. The strong spicy nutmeg/vanilla fragrance of the flowers often gives away the presence of this autumn flowering orchid in the forest.
Raupeka - Easter orchid - Earina autumnalis
This lovely little raupeka seemed to be growing on the ground which would be unusual but closer inspection revealed it was growing on a fallen log buried in the sand. It probably started growing on the log when it was still on the tree and has continued to grow even after the log has fallen. The Lake Brunner forest was heady with the scent of these orchids on this day.
Epiphytic. Stems to 80cm long, usually less. Erect if short, drooping if long. Roots fibrous rhizomes.
Leaves: 4-12cm long by 5-8mm wide. Glossy dark green. Widest near the base, narrowing towards the tip.
Flowers: Panicle to 10cm long with many flowers 5mm across. White and waxy, with yellow or orange markings on the labellum and column. Very fragrant. February – May.
Habitat: Trunks and branches in lowland to montane forests, sometimes also on rocks and banks and will continue to grow on the ground on fallen branches. Not Threatened. Common. The strong spicy nutmeg/vanilla fragrance of the flowers often gives away the presence of this autumn flowering orchid in the forest.