Gastrodia cunninghamii
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gastrodia cunninghamii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Gastrodia cunninghamii in Invercargill | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Tribe: | Gastrodieae |
| Genus: | Gastrodia |
| Species: | G. cunninghamii |
| Binomial name | |
| Gastrodia cunninghamii | |
Gastrodia cunninghamii, or black orchid, black potato orchid, or perei in Māori, is a species of parasitic orchid, endemic to New Zealand. It grows in the North Island, south of the Waikato, and in the South Island, Stewart Island, and the Chathams. It is not threatened, and is widespread in forested areas.
Taxonomy
The species was first described in 1853 by Joseph Dalton Hooker.[4] The type specimen was gathered in the Ruahines.[2]
Etymology
The species epithet refers to botanist Allan Cunningham.[3] Māori language names include perei and hūperei. Common names in English include black orchid, potato orchid and black potato orchid.[5][2]
Ecology
Gastrodia cunninghamii is a parasitic orchid, which does not photosynthesise, and has no leaves. It is dependent upon a symbiotic relationship with a fungus, Armillaria novae-zelandiae for nutrients, which in turn takes nutrients from host trees. It is often found near Nothofagus trees.[6][5]
The species flowers between November to February.[2]
Distribution and range
The species is endemic to New Zealand, growing in the North Island, south of the Waikato, and in the South Island, Stewart Island, and the Chathams.[2] It is commonly found in forested areas, thriving in dark undergrowth.[7][5]
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