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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
Lehnebach, C. A., Alderton-Moss, J., & Shepherd, L. D. (2025). A new species of Prasophyllum (Orchidaceae) for New Zealand and lectotypification of P. colensoi. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 1–23.
Lehnebach, C. A., & Jones, H. R. (2024). Taxonomic notes on New Zealand orchids I: typification of nine orchid names described by William Colenso in 1886. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 1–24.
There are over 100 species of orchids in Aotearoa New Zealand and come in a variety of shapes, colours, and dimensions. They thrive in diverse habitats across the country. Take a look at Te Papa's research and work with orchids as well as highlights from our collections.
Bringing the swamp helmet orchid back from the brink of extinction is a mission that requires a multidisciplinary team of scientists, good eyesight and a lot of patience. Curator Dr Carlos Lehnebach talks about his latest research to save this species.
Botany Curator Carlos Lehnebach led a group of scientists and postgraduate students to several orchid-rich spots in the Remutaka Range, about 40 minutes from Wellington. The aim of the trip was to find the different forms of the native Spider orchid (Nematoceras trilobum) in flower.
