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The arrival of warmer weather in Taitokerau signals the start of the orchid flowering season in Northland’s gumlands.
Gumlands are a defining characteristic of the region, associated with ancient kauri forests.
Northland Regional Council biodiversity manager Lisa Forester says they were formed on the top of hills and are totally reliant on rainfall as a water source, so are often parched in summer and saturated in winter.
“Having once drawn thousands of settlers to seek their fortune digging kauri gum, the gumlands play an important role in settler history,” Forester says.
“Previously very common in Northland, most gumlands have been cleared and developed. Those that remain are often dismissed as worthless scrub, but a closer look reveals a unique community of plants that thrive on low fertility soils, including short mānuka, wīwī (sedges) and tangle fern, as well as a treasure trove of native orchids.”
Taitokerau has more than 70 native species of orchid, although at least four have become extinct in the region due to habitat loss.
The peak flowering season is from October through to December.
“Orchids occupy many habitats from forests to wetlands, sand fields and gumlands. Their tiny flowers pack an awesome visual punch, with incredible variety and fantastic names such as potato, duckbill and onion orchid.
“All can be found in Northland, as well as numerous sun orchids including Thelmitra Ahipara, which is nationally critical and only found in the Far North on old kauri soils.
“These beautiful plants flourish in unexpected places that are often overlooked such as disturbed roadsides. A particular delight for me are the sun orchids on Mount Parihaka. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible range of native orchids in Taitokerau.”
Forester says wild orchids should not be picked or dug up to be transplanted into domestic gardens, where they would be highly unlikely to survive.
She encourages people to simply enjoy their beauty in their natural surroundings.
“They are a treasure to be discovered and enjoyed and then left alone to flourish.”
