DSC_1891 Black orchid, or Huperei (Gastrodea cunninghamii) flowering in beech forest habitat. Often grows in dark shady places. Saprophytic, obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter by parasitising fungi (Armillaria sp.) associated with various tree species. Molesworth *
DSC_1958 Black orchid, or Huperei (Gastrodea cunninghamii) detail of flowerhead. Often grows in dark shady places. Saprophytic, obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter by parasitising fungi (Armillaria sp.) associated with various tree species - in this case, southern beech. Molesworth *
DSC_1942 Black orchid, or Huperei (Gastrodea cunninghamii) detail of flower. Often grows in dark shady places. Saprophytic, obtaining nutrients from dead organic matter by parasitising fungi (Armillaria sp.) associated with various tree species - in this case, southern beech. Molesworth *
