These common epiphytes of New Zealand can be found on trees, boulders, or cliffs. Here are some basic facts about 5 epiphytes to help you identify them.
New Zealand’s native forests, both the podocarp/broadleaf forests and the beech forests, are full of life. The trees are often covered in all types of plants. These epiphytes are so cool, I mean they find and grow on any tiny nook or crevice on the trees or on top of boulders. Some of them stand up tall and others droop down towards the forest floor. Mostly, I just marvel at how these plants can grow and thrive by living on other plants.
What Is An Epiphyte?
An epiphyte is a type of plant that lives on another plant or rock. It does not send roots down to the ground. Rather, it gets its moisture and nutrients from what it collects around it or the air, which is why it is also called an air plant. They have roots only to hold them in place on their host.
Some of them are not parasitic, but others are.
5 Common New Zealand Epiphytes
Kahakaha
This is a very common type of perching lily. It forms a large nest on its host, with long, narrow leaves (up to 70 mm long) pointing up from a base and arranged in a fan shape. The leaves tend to get black towards the base.
Kahakaha grows in lowland forest across the north island and on the top part of the south island.
Kaiwharawhara
This is another epiphytic perching lily that is common across lowland forests of the north island, but it extends further south on the south island. It has long, narrow leaves (about 40 mm long).
This looks similar to the Kahakaha, but it’s leaves are more drooping, have a silver/grey color on the bottom, and it looks more like a bushy nest as opposed to a fan.
Easter Orchid
This is a small orchid that is common on trees and rocks across both the north and south islands. It grows in lowland and mountain forests and is the most common of many epiphytic orchids.
It has long, narrow leaves (up to 120mm). The flowers are white with yellow or orange on the inside. It’s called the easter orchid because it usually flowers around easter (March – April).
Drooping Spleenwort
This is a neat looking epiphyte that hangs down. It can grow either on the ground or on trees. This very common epiphyte grows on the north and south island and can be found in coastal areas, lowland and mountain forests. It can even be found in plantation forests.
This is a type of fern that appears to be drooping down toward the ground.
Red Mistletoe
There are 8 species of mistletoe in New Zealand. This particular epiphyte is endemic and common in the beech forest of both the north and south islands. Since there is more beech forest in the south island it’s more common there.
This is a type of parasitic vine that gets some of its nutrients from its host. It starts as a vine, but grows into a large shrub often resting in the crown of trees. This has large, bright red clusters of flowers.