There is an extensive orchid flora of about 120 species in New Zealand seven are epiphytic with the rest terrestrial. Many are still unnamed.
'A score or more species of onion orchids range from southeast Asia to New Zealand, which probably has half a dozen taxa, 3 of which have been described.' Microtis unifolia agg., is the official name of this common onion orchid. Agg means aggregate and implies that taxonomically speaking the genus is a mess, it has so many species that are so closely related that it's really hard to sort out one from another; so that it's much simpler to call them all by the same name but also acknowledge the fact that you're talking about more than one or two species. Hence agg., an aggregate of species. [Blackberries incidentally, are similarly named Rubus fruticosus agg.] The unifolia epithet is more easily understood - one leaf - here clearly seen; and it's this leaf which gives the plant its vernacular name as it's just like a fleshy onion-leaf.
As they are not like the showy orchids that people are familiar with in florist shops, they are often overlooked in the garden. But 'what really is special about the New Zealand orchids is the ability of the majority of them to self-pollinate.' About 60per cent are self-pollinating 'a consequnece, at least to some extent, of the relative scarcity of insects in New Zealand. Another feature ... is their ability to adapt to new habitats under exotic trees.' Clearly both these factors account for the occurence of this oninon orchid growing happily here in our front garden under a rhododendron bush.
This orchid is definitely a plus for untidy gardening!
Quotations from: The Nature Guide to New Zealand Native Orchids by Ian St George, published by Godwit, 1999.
