About Dendrobium cunninghamii Lindl.
Dendrobium cunninghamii (also called Winika) is an epiphytic or lithophytic orchid herb. It forms tufts up to 2.0 meters (7 feet) wide, with wiry, cane-like stems that reach 1.0 meter (3 feet) in length and 7 millimeters (0.3 inches) in diameter. Its rhizomes resemble the stems and produce many roots. The leaves are narrow and linear, 30–50 millimeters (1–2 inches) long and about 3 millimeters (0.12 inches) wide. Up to eight flowers, each 20–25 millimeters (0.8–1 inch) wide, grow on a short lateral flowering stem. The petals and sepals are white, while some parts of the labellum are rose pink, purplish, and green. The labellum has three lobes: the side lobes are erect, relatively small, and pink or purple, and the middle lobe has four or five greenish or yellowish ridges along its midline. Flowering takes place from December to January. Winika most commonly grows as an epiphyte on forest trees, and sometimes also grows on fallen logs. It may occasionally grow on rocks and cliff faces, and even on brick or concrete walls. This orchid occurs on the North and South Islands of New Zealand, as well as on Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands.
