About Earina aestivalis Cheeseman
Earina aestivalis, commonly called the bamboo orchid or summer earina, is a pendent orchid species endemic to New Zealand. Its scientific specific epithet aestivalis comes from Latin, meaning "pertaining to the summer". This orchid is epiphytic, with long, strong rhizomes that attach firmly to its host plant. It grows many long, cane-like stems up to 60 cm long that bear purple spots. It produces pointed leaves that are 6–10 cm long. The species' leaf sheaths range in color from ivory to white-yellow, and are marked with dark purple-brown spots. Flowering occurs from December to March; its inflorescences hold 2 to 8 flower clusters and can grow up to 8 cm long. The flower petals and sepals are greenish cream-yellow, while the labellums are yellow-orange. Fruit capsules develop from January to August, and the orchid's seeds are dispersed by wind. This species is endemic to New Zealand, where it occurs on the North Island, South Island, Chatham Islands, and Stewart Island. It grows in coastal and lowland forests, most commonly found on low tree branches and trunks, though it can occasionally grow on cliff faces and rocks.
