Dracophyllum filifolium < Species index > Dysoxylum spectabile
This article was published in Tararua Tramper September 2025
September in the hills with Michele Dickson and Chris Horne
Drymoanthus adversus, , Green fleshy orchid, little moa, drymoanthus
Photo: Jeremy Rolfe
Origin of the botanical names
Drymoanthus comes from the Greek word meaning ‘forest flower’; adversus comes from the Latin word meaning ‘turned toward each other’, referring to the leaves being arranged opposite each other and flattened in one plane. Green fleshy orchid belongs to the Orchidaceae family – the orchids.
Distribution and habitat
Little moa is endemic to Aotearoa. It grows on Manawatāwhi / Three Kings Islands, the North and South Islands, on Rakiura / Stewart Island and on Rekohu / Chatham Islands. It is uncommon in the southern two-thirds of Te Waipounamu/South Island.
Growth habit
It forms a conspicuous leafy, fan-shaped tuft ca. 4-12-(15) cm diameter on the well-lit trunks and branches of trees with few other epiphytes. Look for it also on rock outcrops and cliff faces. There may be 4-6-(9) leaves at any one time. They are dark green, flattened and fleshy, elliptic to oblong. The roots are white to brown, thick and usually much the longest parts.
Reproduction
Up to 20 flowers are found on an inflorescence hanging just below the leaves. They are green or greenish-white flecked with maroon, up to 4 mm across. The petal-like parts are almost equal and the labellum is cup- shaped with two upright lumps near the middle. Flowering is from October to December. The fruits are cylindrical, green capsules / pods, developing from November to May.
Uses
We have been unable to find any uses for drymoanthus.
Where can you find little moa?
Look for it in East Harbour Regional Park and in the Tararua and Remutaka Ranges and Western Wellington hills.
In The Hills 2025-08 < Index chronological > In The Hills 2025-10