We see this frequently in NZ where terrestrials are abundant on clay
banks along roads and alongside walking tracks cut through bush. It is
my (unsubstantiated) opinion that this is nothing to do with soil but
rather a factor of light and lack of competition.
On the subject of pines, while it is true that pine forests often form a
sterile environment there are several terrestrials that thrive in pine
needles (even that of P. radiata). A notable example is at Iwitahi near
Taupo (Gibbs, M. M. 1988. Iwatahi: a native orchid reserve in exotic
pine forest, New Zealand. Orchadian 9 (3):49-51.) where many terrestrial
orchids grow in abundance in a stand of P.nigra.
If you're interested check out:
http://www.wildwoodgallery.co.nz/Iwitahi.orchids.htm
Regards
Phil
Blenheim
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