Tutukiwi (Pterostylis banksii) - Hooded Orchid

This exquisite orchid has an ingenious trapping mechanism. Visiting insects are captured by a hydraulic "spring" mechanism to ensure that they pass the stigma (female organ) before they reach the pollen. This complex design makes it certain that each flower is fertilised by pollen from another flower.

New Zealand is home to more than 100 species of orchid, 6 species being ephiphytic (living in trees). A few species are parasitic, having no chlorophyll.