Earina aestivalis
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Earina aestivalis, commonly known as bamboo orchid or summer earina, is a species of pendent orchid that is endemic to New Zealand.[1][2][3] The specific epithet, aestivalis, is derived from Latin and means "pertaining to the summer".[4]
It is epiphytic, with long and strong rhizomes that are firmly attached to its host.[2] It produces many long cane-like stems up to 60 cm long, with purple spots. It has pointed leaves 6–10 cm long. The leaf sheaths range from ivory to white-yellow, and are spotted dark purple-brown.[3]
It flowers from December to March, with inflorescences containing 2-8 flower clusters and reaching up to 8 cm. The flower petals and sepals are greenish cream-yellow, and the labellums yellow-orange. It also produces fruit capsules from January to August.[3] The seeds are wind dispersed.[2]
Taxonomy
E. aestivalis is from the family Orchidaceae. Unlike those found elsewhere, the E. aestivalis specimens from the Chatham Islands are not distinct, and seem to grade into E. mucronata.[2]
Distribution
It is endemic to New Zealand, and can be found on both the North and South Islands, along with the Chatham Islands and Stewart Island.[1][3] It is found in coastal and lowland forests. It is usually found on low branches and trunks, but can sometimes be found on cliff faces and rocks.[3]
Conservation status
As of the 2023 assessment by the New Zealand Threat Classification System, it is regarded as "Not Threatened".[3][2]
Gallery
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Herbarium specimen from Auckland War Memorial Museum
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References
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