Botanical name:

Earina mucronata

Common name(s):

Bamboo orchid, peka-a-waka, spring earina

About:

A native common epiphytic orchard typically features stems that can reach lengths of up to 1 m, although they are usually much shorter in practice. The leaves of this plant exhibit a rich green to a yellowish-green hue, presenting a narrow and elongated shape that is widest near the base and gradually narrows to form an acute tip. The flowers are arranged in a panicle, showcasing many blooms that are 1 cm or less in length. The flowers display a delightful variation in colour, ranging from a pale creamy-yellow to a soft greenish-yellow. Additionally, the labellum can exhibit a spectrum of colours, varying from a light yellow through to a deep, vibrant orange.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. Mostly epiphytic on forest tree trunks and branches, sometimes on fallen logs, and found as a also rupestral on rocks, cliff faces or banks. Occasionally colonising brick or concrete walls within urban areas.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands

Height: 1m (long)

Flowering:

August – January with an orange or yellow coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

September - April

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 orange-green to yellow-orange flowers are produced in profusion and are especially attractive. Occasional white flowered forms also occur which are rather unusual.