Epiphyte research in the Waitākeres

9/5/2013

I'm Olivia Henwood, a student at the University of Waikato. I have recently spent four weeks carrying out an epiphyte research project in the Waitākere Ranges. Here's brief a snapshot of my trip:

This is a good day in the office! Ascending a rata to install a camera.

Stunning view over the Waitākere Dam and sun-soaked ranges beyond.

Camera ready and waiting to unlock the secrets of the tree canopy...

Sharon Osman, one of the amazing Ark in the Park volunteers happy to get an opportunity to utilise her skills.

Massive Collospermum hastatum nest - this must be at least 4m tall!

Giant cave wēta - close to 30 cm stretched out! Just one of the many treasures living within the epiphytes. More to be revealed soon...

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Catherine Kirby

I work with NZ's native vascular epiphytes at the University of Waikato. I completed an MSc on epiphyte ecology and the shrub epiphyte Griselinia lucida and have recently published the Field Guide to NZ's Epiphytes, Vines & Mistletoes.

For me, the highlights of epiphyte research are the many unknowns, the amazing way that these plants survive in the canopy, and of course tree climbing!

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