Interesting epiphyte finds

We've made some interesting epiphyte finds during recent outdoor adventures that you might be interested in:

Kauaeranga Valley, Coromandel

On a mission to find Metrosideros albiflora we also found large puka (Griselinia lucida), Phlegmariurus varius, blankets of filmy ferns (Hymenophyllum species) and huge matua mauku (Hymenophyllum dilatatum).

Puka (Griselinia lucida) on a northern rata. C.Kirby.

Phlegmariurus varius with filmy ferns. Photo: C. Kirby.

A blanket of filmy ferns (Hymenophyllum species) on a tree branch. Photo: C. Kirby.

Large matua mauku (Hymenophyllum dilatatum) frond. Photo: C. Kirby.

Five minutes before it was time to turn back we found the wonderful, large-leaved aka (Metrosideros albiflora). It has the largest leaves and flowers of the aka/climbing rata that left us with no doubt that we had found the right species!

Aka (Metrosideros albiflora). Photo: C. Kirby.

Atuanui/Mt Auckland

This maunga/mountain is 22 km north of Kaukapakapa, in Northland. It is an important place for Ngāti Whātua and, at 305 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the district. This is an interesting landmark that I've driven past far too many times. Well worth the stop, it is a nice example of northern NZ rainforest that is dominated by huge pūriri (Vitex lucens) and beautiful taraire (Beilschmiedia tarairi).

View from the top looking toward the Kaipara Harbour. Photo: C. Kirby.

Interesting epiphyte finds at Atuanui included large puka (Griselinia lucida) (again), huge nest epiphytes (these ones were Collospermum hastatum) clinging to skinny  nīkau (Rhopalostylis sapida) and the uncommon tāwhiri karo (Pittosporum cornifolium).

The grooved roots of puka (Griselinia lucida). Photo: C. Kirby.

A massive load of nest epiphytes (Collospermum hastatum) on a skinny little nikau palm. How do they stay on!? Photo: C. Kirby.

The small, pointed leaves of tawhiri karo (Pittosporum cornifolium) hanging from the base of a nest epipyhte. Photo: C. Kirby.

Rangitoto Island

This wonderful pest-free reserve once again provided some exciting epiphyte finds. The flowering kohurangi (Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii) were a highlight with their bright white displays brightening up the dark lava around them. We also found the whisk fern (Psilotum nudum) and lovely little taupeka (Notogrammitis heterophylla).

Flowering kohurangi (Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii). Photo: C. Kirby.

The strange whisk fern (Psilotum nudum). Photo: C. Kirby.

Taupeka (Notogrammitis heterophylla). Photo: C. Kirby.

It is a marvellous time of year to explore our natural areas so get out there and look for your local epiphytes!