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.

coastal forest

lowland forest

montane forest

dry

free draining

partial shade

height | 1m

width | 1m

flowering |  December–June

fruiting |  January–August

Te Winika, the renowned Waikato River canoe, was crafted from a grand tōtara tree, notable for being covered in Winika cunninghamii. Built in 1838 for Te Wherowhero, who later became the first Māori King, Potatau, the canoe was intended for Auckland's defense against Hone Heke's threatened raid, though it never left the Waikato. Smashed by von Tempsky in 1863, only its hull's center section survived. This fragment was taken to Turangawaewae in 1936, forming the basis for the present canoe. Used from 1938-1971, Te Winika was then gifted to the Waikato people by Queen Te Atairangikaahu and is now housed in the Hamilton Museum.