About Gastrodia cunninghamii Hook.f.
Gastrodia cunninghamii Hook.f. is a leafless orchid that grows to 100 cm (39 in) tall. It has an erect stem and swollen rhizomes. You can distinguish this species from other members of the Gastrodia genus by its short column, which is not visible at the flower mouth.
This species is endemic to New Zealand. Its range includes the North Island south of the Waikato, the South Island, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands. It grows most commonly in forested areas, and thrives in dark forest undergrowth.
Gastrodia cunninghamii is a non-photosynthetic parasitic orchid that lacks leaves. It gets nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with the fungus Armillaria novae-zelandiae, which in turn obtains nutrients from host trees. It is often found growing near Nothofagus trees. This species flowers from November to February.
