Skip to main content

Story: Orchids

Epiphytic orchid

Image
Epiphytic orchid

Drymoanthus adversus is an epiphytic orchid: it grows on tree trunks or rock outcrops. Its wide-spreading roots anchor it to the host tree. During spring and early summer it sends out a spike with 10–15 tiny, pale green flowers.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10055502

by Dick Veitch

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Ian St George, Orchids – Orchid habitat, features and conservation, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/9929/epiphytic-orchid (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Ian St George, published 1 March 2009.