Identification Quiz

2/6/2015

Test your vascular epiphyte and vine identification skills with this quick quiz! The name of the species in each photo are provided at the end (so don't scroll to the bottom until you're done!).

Species A

Species B

Species C

Species D

Species E

Species F

Answers:
A: Asplenium flaccidum, makawe. Thick, lobed fronds with spore capsules sitting at 45 degrees to the midrib.
B: Metrosideros diffusa, rata. Pointed leaves, dark vein on underside (not visible in photo).
C: Notogrammitis heterophylla, taupeka. Lobed fronds with distinct central vein. Note: Makawe is also in this photo on the left.
D: Peperomia urvilleana, wharanui. Succulent leaves that occur in a whorled arrangement.
E: Griselinia lucida, puka. Large leaves with asymmetrical bases.
F: Metrosideros perforata, aka. Round leaves and reddish stems.

2 Comments

Mary from Te Aroha

23/7/2015 09:43:04 pm

I have an epiphyte growing on a piece of punga log in my [native] garden and it is either B or F...shall have to look in the daylight tomorrow....how exciting, I had not thought of deliberately growing epiphites. I am working on developing a fernery in a disused aviary in our Domain with Warick Silvester's help.

Catherine

26/7/2015 06:22:11 am

Fantastic Mary, great to hear that you've got one of these at yours. If you'd like it identified feel free to email some photos to nzepiphytenetwork@gmail.com! Good luck with your project.

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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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