Identification of possible Epiphyte ? Large

ladiesfingers, Feb 6, 6:19pm
I would much appreciate identification of the below plant.it is rather large and looks to sit on its own root system which look like punga fibers.or maybe it is growing out of a dead punga.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag66/lady_fingers_/EpiphitePlant_zps0f93dcba.jpg

breness, Feb 6, 6:42pm
It almost looks like an Astelia.

samanya, Feb 6, 7:04pm
looks like an Astelia to me, as well.

ladiesfingers, Feb 6, 7:12pm
hmmm. but its roots dont grow in the ground, the plant can be picked up and moved around the garden. Do Astelia's come in a mid-green and bronze colour! Thanks for your help so far - it is a puzzle.

issymae, Feb 6, 7:28pm
is that a flower to the right- cream colour

ladiesfingers, Feb 6, 7:37pm
Yes it is a flower :-)

spiritofgonzo, Feb 6, 7:38pm
astelia chathamica

ro42, Feb 6, 7:39pm
They are Astelia. My trees are full of them, and the flower on the one on the right is an astelia flower. There are some pictures here to compare: http://www.terrain.net.nz/friends-of-te-henui-group/new-plant-page/astelia-solandri-kowharawhara.html and here http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora_details.aspx!ID=1537

Mine are quite varied in colour.

spiritofgonzo, Feb 6, 7:40pm
astelia do come in those colours.They are epiphytes in their natural environment, growing in rock walls and trees.Most epiphytes can also grow in the ground in soil . eg orchids.

ladiesfingers, Feb 26, 2:07am
Oh fantastic!It never stops amazing me how helpful and knowledgable people are on the message boards!Thanks very much for the information.many thanks.