Pua O Te Rēinga
Dactylanthus taylorii
Dactylanthus taylorii , commonly known as the Pua o te Rēinga (Flower of the Underworld) or Wood Rose, is an extraordinary and rare parasitic plant endemic to New Zealand. It is New Zealand's only fully parasitic flowering plant, growing entirely underground and attaching itself to the roots of host trees. Its unique life cycle, distinctive flower structure, and cultural significance make it one of the most fascinating and threatened species in New Zealand's flora.
Plant Description
Dactylanthus taylorii lives entirely underground, forming a tuberous, woody stem up to 50 cm in diameter, which attaches to the roots of various native host trees (e.g., Fivefinger, Mingimingi, Broadleaf). Its common name "Wood Rose" comes from the unique effect it has on its host's roots: as the parasite grows, it causes the host root to grow around it, forming a convoluted, woody growth resembling a carved rose. The plant itself consists of a dense, subterranean inflorescence (flower head) that pushes to the surface to flower. The flowers are small, reddish-brown, and emit a strong, musky scent to attract its primary pollinator: the short-tailed bat ( Chalinolobus tuberculatus ).
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Dactylanthus taylorii |
|---|---|
| Family | Balanophoraceae |
| Form | Fully parasitic flowering plant |
| Light | Underground (parasitic on host tree roots) |
| Soil | Host tree roots in forest floor |
| Water | Via host tree |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Height | Underground tuber up to 50 cm diameter; flowers emerge slightly above ground |
| Spread | Confined to host root system |
| Flowering Season | March to May (autumn) |
| Flower Colour | Reddish-brown |
| Foliage | None (holoparasitic) |
| Growth Rate | Very slow |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
| Unique Features | Only fully parasitic flowering plant in New Zealand; pollinated by short-tailed bat. |
Climate Best Suited to
Dactylanthus taylorii , New Zealand's only fully parasitic flowering plant, requires specific forest conditions with suitable host trees. It thrives in areas with mature native forest, consistent rainfall (1000-2000mm annually), and moderate temperatures. The species needs regions where its hosts (particularly native beeches and podocarps) flourish.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Suitable |
| Auckland | Marginal |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Marginal |
| New Plymouth | Suitable |
| Napier | Marginal |
| Whanganui | Suitable |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Marginal |
| Dunedin | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Marginal |
Habitat
Natural Distribution
Dactylanthus taylorii is found in native lowland and montane forests, typically in areas with high rainfall and humidity. It parasitizes the roots of various native broadleaf trees, often growing on well-drained slopes. Its subterranean existence means its habitat is largely defined by the root systems of its host plants and the overall health of the forest ecosystem.
Conservation Status
Current Threats and Protection
Dactylanthus taylorii is classified as "Nationally Vulnerable" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System. Its rarity is primarily due to habitat loss (deforestation), degradation of forest ecosystems, and predation by introduced pests. Introduced mammals like possums, rats, and pigs consume its fleshy flowers and "wood roses," severely impacting its reproduction and survival. Conservation efforts focus on predator control, habitat protection, and propagation initiatives.
How to Grow
Cultivation Requirements
Dactylanthus taylorii cannot be cultivated in a conventional garden setting due to its obligate parasitic nature. Its survival depends entirely on establishing a connection with the roots of suitable native host trees. Successful cultivation attempts are extremely rare and require highly specialized knowledge of its complex symbiotic relationship and ecological needs.
Planting Guide
Best Planting Practices
As a parasitic plant, Dactylanthus taylorii cannot be "planted" in the traditional sense. Conservation efforts involve protecting existing populations by controlling introduced predators and preserving its native forest habitat. Attempts to introduce it to new areas require transplanting entire host trees with established parasites, a technically challenging and often unsuccessful endeavor.
Ecological Role
Environmental Benefits
Dactylanthus taylorii is a critical component of its native forest ecosystem. Its flowers provide a unique and vital food source (nectar) for the critically endangered short-tailed bat, which in turn acts as its primary pollinator. This co-dependent relationship highlights the intricate balance of New Zealand's forest biodiversity. It also provides a unique habitat within the host root system for various subterranean organisms.
Uses
Traditional and Modern Applications
The primary "use" of Dactylanthus taylorii lies in its ecological and scientific importance. It is a flagship species for conservation efforts, drawing attention to New Zealand's unique and threatened flora. Its "wood roses" are highly prized by collectors, leading to illegal harvesting which further threatens wild populations.
Landscaping Uses
Garden Design Applications
Dactylanthus taylorii has no practical landscaping uses due to its parasitic nature and endangered status. Its beauty and intrigue are best appreciated in its protected natural habitat.
Seasonal Care
Year-Round Maintenance
Not applicable in the traditional gardening sense. Its "care" involves the broader management of its native forest habitat, ensuring the health of its host trees and controlling introduced predators throughout the year.
Pruning
Pruning Techniques
Pruning techniques are not applicable to Dactylanthus taylorii, as this extraordinary parasitic plant grows entirely underground and lacks any aerial parts that would typically require pruning. Its unique subterranean life cycle means its form is dictated by the host root, with only its flowers briefly emerging above ground for pollination.
How to Grow Pua O Te Rēinga
From Seed
Propagation of Dactylanthus taylorii from seed is exceptionally complex and has proven very difficult outside of natural conditions. As a holoparasitic plant, its seeds require chemical cues from the roots of a specific host plant to germinate and then must establish a physical connection (haustorium) with the host's vascular system to draw nutrients. This intricate process makes traditional seed propagation (sowing in potting mix) impossible. Successful "seed inoculation" in controlled environments involves placing viable seeds in close proximity to the roots of a compatible host plant, buried underground, under highly controlled environmental conditions. Natural propagation relies entirely on bat pollination and subsequent seed dispersal by the short-tailed bat, which aids in depositing seeds near suitable host roots within the forest environment.
Conservation and Reintroduction
Due to its obligate parasitic nature and endangered status, Dactylanthus taylorii cannot be cultivated in a conventional garden setting. Instead, "growing" this species focuses on highly specialized conservation and reintroduction efforts. These involve protecting existing wild populations from introduced predators (possums, rats, pigs) which consume its flowers and "wood roses," and preserving its native forest habitat. Attempts at reintroduction or augmentation of populations typically involve transplanting host trees with established Dactylanthus tubers, a technically challenging and often unsuccessful endeavor. Research continues into methods for stimulating seed germination and successful host attachment to facilitate ex-situ conservation.
General Cultivation
Cultivating Dactylanthus taylorii is an ongoing scientific and conservation challenge, not a horticultural practice for the general public. Its survival depends entirely on maintaining the delicate ecological balance of its native forest habitat and the health of its host trees. This includes ensuring a healthy forest floor ecosystem, consistent rainfall, moderate temperatures, and crucially, the presence of its specific bat pollinator. Any "care" or "planting" is essentially synonymous with comprehensive forest management and predator control in areas where it naturally occurs. Its subterranean lifestyle means it has no conventional light, soil, or water requirements beyond those of its host and the surrounding forest.
Pests and Diseases
Common Problems and Solutions
The primary "pests" for Dactylanthus taylorii are introduced mammalian predators such as possums, rats, and pigs, which consume its flowers and tuberous growth. These predators severely impact the plant's reproductive success. While it is generally robust against other diseases when its host is healthy, the overall degradation of forest health can indirectly affect it.
Cultural Significance
Traditional Uses and Values
Dactylanthus taylorii holds profound cultural significance for Māori, who know it as Pua o te Rēinga, the "Flower of the Underworld" or "Perfume of the Underworld." Its subterranean existence and strong musky scent evoke connections to the spiritual realm and the transition between life and death. The distinctive "Wood Rose" formed on host roots is also highly valued. Its rarity and unique biology make it a taonga (treasure) and a symbol of New Zealand's extraordinary and vulnerable indigenous flora.
Bonus Tip
Expert Growing Advice
The musky, intoxicating scent emitted by Dactylanthus taylorii flowers is unique in the plant world, attracting its primary pollinator, the short-tailed bat, which feeds on its nectar. This scent is often described as resembling a mix of fermenting fruit and a musky animal odor, perfectly evolved to attract its nocturnal pollinator.
