Botanical name:

Earina autumnalis 

Common name(s):

Easter orchid, raupeka

About:

A fairly common orchid species can be found growing on both trees and other surfaces in the lush environments of lowland to montane forests throughout New Zealand. This appealing orchid features lance-shaped leaves that are carried on sturdy stems, which tend to be erect when they are short, yet gracefully droop when they grow longer. In the autumn months, these plants bear lovely panicles of small white flowers adorned with bright yellow centres. These flowers are widely recognised for being among the most heavily fragrant of all native flowers in the region. This orchid is particularly suitable for growing in a shade-house or when securely attached to a tree, where it will thrive and require filtered sunlight to flourish properly.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. Epiphytic, rupestral or terrestrial. Mostly on the trunks and branches of forest trees but also on rocks, cliff faces, banks and fallen, moss covered logs.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South, and Stewart Islands of New Zealand.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering:

January - June with a white or yellow coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

April – August

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests & Container plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown in a hanging basket in standard orchid mix. Often can be strapped to a tree trunk and provided it is kept moist during the drier months it grows readily. This species does best in semi-shade. The strongly perfumed flowers are especially attractive. Should not be removed from the wild.