Story: Orchids

Winika orchid (2nd of 2)

Winika orchid

Winika or bamboo orchids grow on trees in lowland forest. Their jointed stems are highly branched and hang down like a tangle of fine bamboo. Flowering begins in spring and early summer, when a couple of flowers appear on short stalks scattered across the plant. The name winika derives from the name of a Māori war canoe carved from a tōtara tree, on which this type of orchid grows.

Using this item

Private collection
Photograph by Ian St George

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 - Forest orchids', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9935/winika-orchid (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ian St George, published 24 Sep 2007