Gastrodia cunninghamii
| 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.
Description
The orchid grows to a height of 100 cm (39 in), and has an erect stem and swollen rhizomes.[2] It can be distinguished from other members of Gastrodia due to its short column, not visible at the flower mouth.[3]
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]
In Māori culture
The rhizomes are valued as a traditional food by Māori.[6][5]
Gallery
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Botanic illustration by Nina Jones, c. 1920 -
Herbarium specimen -
Growing in a forested area -
Flowers
References
- ^ "NZTCS". nztcs.org.nz. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Flora of New Zealand | Taxon Profile | Gastrodia cunninghamii". www.nzflora.info. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Gastrodia cunninghamii". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ Hooker, Joseph Dalton (1853), Flora Novae-Zelandiae, Illustrator: Walter Hood Fitch, p. 251, Wikidata Q5862801
- ^ a b c d Vennell, Robert (2023). The Forgotten Forest. Auckland: HarperCollins. pp. 28–30. ISBN 978-1-77554-219-3. LCCN 2023553352. OCLC 1419568073. Wikidata Q135894239.
- ^ a b "RNZIH - Horticulture Pages - Huperei - the Black Orchid". www.rnzih.org.nz. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ "Gastrodia cunninghamii". New Zealand Native Orchids. Retrieved 24 July 2025.