Plant of the Month for January
Scarlet mistletoes are at their flowering best in January. Many New Zealand mistletoes are threatened species but Southland is a national stronghold for these spectacular species. Mistletoes are semi-parasitic and Peraxilla species grow on native beech trees. Tui and bellbirds are the only birds able to twist open the flowers so the presence of native birds with their native plants is essential for pollination. Best places to see some very large mistletoes are Tuatapere, the Longwoods, Blue Mountains and Fiordland. For more information about Southland’s mistletoes see our factsheet Threatened Plants.
Posted: 18 January 2011