Botanical name:

Corybas cryptanthus

Common name(s):

Hidden spider orchid, icky

About:

C. cryptanthus is an intriguing species of terrestrial orchid that is characterised by its lack of obvious leaves, making it quite unusual among plant varieties. The mostly white flower, often camouflaged by the surrounding leaf litter, is typically tucked away from plain sight. This unique orchid is usually only detected by its distinctive fruiting capsule, which is borne on a slender stem that can elongate impressively up to 28cm high.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. In dense shrub-lands and tall forest. Confined to deep, partially decomposed leaf litter where it is easily overlooked except when fruiting. Current records suggest that it has a preference for growing under kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) and Nothofagus beech stands. It is also often found growing with Corybas cheesemanii.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North and South Islands

Height: 2.5 – 28cm

Flowering: 

June - October with a reddish pink to white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October – April

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

As a saprophytic species this orchid is virtually impossible to cultivate and should never be removed from the wild.