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Describing the New Zealand orchid flora

Te Papa researchers: Carlos Lehnebach and Lara Shepherd

For decades, about 20 Aotearoa orchids have only been known by tag names (nicknames) and have not yet been officially recognised as species. Nonetheless, they have already joined the list of Aotearoa New Zealand’s threatened plants.

Using historical specimens from the Te Papa collection, and modern samples, this research aims to determine the taxonomic status of orchids in the genera Corybas (spider orchids), Pterostylis (greenhood orchids), Prasophyllum (leek orchids), Spiranthes (lady’s tresses orchid) and Thelymitra (sun orchids).

Spider orchid (Corybas sp.). Photo by Carlos Lehnebach. Te Papa

Herbarium specimen of leek orchid (Prasophyllum sp.). Photo by Nathaniel Walker-Hale. Te Papa

Sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.). Photo by Carlos Lehnebach. Te Papa

Main collaborators: Jennifer Tate, Massey University; Hayden Jones, Massey University

Funding: Australia & Pacific Science Foundation; NZ Native Orchid Group

Representative publications

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