Dacrydium cupressinum < Species index > Dianella nigra
This article was published in the Tararua Tramper May 2025
May In the hills with Michele Dickson and Chris Horne
Dendrobium cunninghamii, sometimes known as Winika cunninghamii, Pekapeka, Winikā, Christmas orchid, Lady's slipper orchid
Origin of the botanical name
Dendrobium is derived from the Greek words 'dendron' meaning 'tree' and 'bios' meaning 'life', referring to its growing on trees as an epiphyte, or perching plant; cunninghamii honours Allan Cunningham (1791-1839), an English botanist stationed in Australia, who visited New Zealand and collected plants. Dendrobium and Winika genera are in the Orchidaceae family.
Distribution
Pekapeka is native to New Zealand. It occurs on Te Ika a Māui / North Island, Te Waipounamu / South Island, Rakiura / Stewart Island and Rekohu / Chatham Island. Look for it perching on well-lit tree trunks and branches in coastal to montane forests – also on rocks, logs and even on urban brick or concrete walls.
Growth habit and reproduction
Pekapeka grows up to 2 m long and 1.5 m wide but often much less. The stems are cane-like, long, thin and brittle, tending to be locally thickened towards the base which may be up to 7 mm diameter in large plants. The side branches are numerous. They come off at a wide angle and are more or less drooping. The bare parts are mostly ca. 2 mm diameter, bright yellow and polished. The leaves are ca. 3-5 cm X 3 mm, narrow and dark at the joint with the sheath.
The infloresences have 1-6 flowers that are 2- 3 cm in diameter on short lateral stems. Most of the petal-like parts of the flower are white, but the labellum, which is much wider, usually has coloured sections near its lip. These colours can be green, yellow, rose-pink to purple. In orchids, both male and female parts (stamens and pistil) are fused into a single organ known as the column, which in pekapeka may also be partly coloured purple. The capsules/pods are initially green,becoming greyish-white, sometimes striped with purple. Pekapeka flowers from December to February and sometimes as late as April or even June.
Uses
We have been unable to find any uses for Christmas orchid/Pekapeka/Winikā.
Where to find Dendrobium cunninghamii?
Look for it in reserves and regional parks in the Wellington area, the Tararua, Remutaka and Aorangi ranges, and wherever you tramp i te ngāhere.
In The Hills 2025-04 < Index chronological > In The Hills 2025-06