12/12/2025
Did you know there are native orchids in Aotearoa New Zealand?
They can come in all shapes and sizes and grow in all sorts of places, on the ground or on other trees, in forests, wetlands, alpine areas, and even on roadsides or in the Subantarctic.
Out of more than 120 species, many are rare and endangered, because of habitat loss due to wetland draining and forest clearing.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
👍 Please don't take any native orchids home! Not only are there laws and restrictions around doing so, but growing them successfully requires specialist knowledge for every species.
👍 Report any rare or uncommon species (https://www.nativeorchids.co.nz/ecology/conservation/) you find to Department of Conservation or NZ native orchids group.
👍 Report anyone selling native orchids, especially terrestrial species, to DOC. Reputable garden centres don’t sell native orchids!
Photo credits:
Potato orchid by Rebecca Chrystal
Sun orchid by Kevin Matthews, bearded greenhood orchid + copper beard orchid + snail greenhood orchid by Bill Campbell, flying duck orchid by Andrew Townsend via NZ Native Orchids Group
Spider orchid by Christopher Stephens via iNaturalist
