winikā
Dendrobium cunninghamii | winikā, pekapeka, Christmas orchid, bamboo orchid
This beautiful orchid is typically found in New Zealand's lush lowland forests, growing on tree trunks, rocky surfaces, or stony ground. Its distinctive appearance comes from well-branched, cane-like stems with short, narrow leaves. In summer, it produces attractive clusters of white to pale pink flowers, up to 2.5cm across, often with striking purplish and green markings on the lower lip—making them the largest native orchid flowers. In gardens, it can be attached to a tree or planted in a container with an orchid mix, requiring partial shade. While generally not widely available, it can sometimes be found at specialised nurseries.