Red Mistletoe
Peraxilla tetrapetala
Peraxilla tetrapetala, red mistletoe, is a showy native hemi-parasite of the forest canopy. Endemic to New Zealand, it occurs on both main islands, attached to hosts such as southern beeches. The crimson flowers open explosively when triggered by birds, releasing pollen; fruits are bird-dispersed, with sticky seeds that adhere to host branches.
Plant Description
A woody shrub forming rounded clumps up to 2 metres across in the forest canopy, attached to host trees via specialized parasitic roots called haustoria. The opposite leaves are thick and leathery, green to yellow-green in colour, arranged on jointed stems that branch regularly. The spectacular tubular flowers, up to 5 cm long, are bright crimson to scarlet and open explosively when triggered by native birds, particularly tūī and bellbirds. This unique pollination mechanism ensures pollen transfer as the flower bursts open, dusting the bird's head. The fleshy orange to yellow berries that follow contain sticky seeds dispersed by birds to new host branches.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Peraxilla tetrapetala |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Red mistletoe; Māori: pikirangi, pirirangi, roeroe |
| Family | Loranthaceae |
| Height | 0.5-2 m (canopy shrub) |
| Spread | 0.5-2 m (host‑dependent) |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate (drawn from host) |
| Light | Bright canopy light |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long‑lived perennial |
Climate Best Suited to
Found in lowland to montane forests on North and South Islands where suitable hosts and pollinators occur. Most abundant in intact forests with good bird populations and low browsing pressure.
Regional Suitability
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Suitable |
| Rotorua | Suitable |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Suitable |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Suitable |
| Dunedin | Suitable |
| Invercargill | Suitable |
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|
Plant Habitat
Peraxilla tetrapetala is widely distributed across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, ranging from coastal to montane forests. It is most commonly found in beech forests, where it parasitizes species such as Mountain Beech (Fuscospora cliffortioides), Black Beech (Fuscospora solandri), Red Beech (Fuscospora fusca), and Silver Beech (Lophozonia menziesii). In the North Island, it also occurs on other hosts like Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), Puriri (Vitex lucens), and Quintinia serrata. It tolerates a range of conditions but prefers high-light positions in the canopy and is tolerant of wind and exposed sites.
Plant Conservation
Classified as "At Risk: Declining", Red Mistletoe faces significant threats that have reduced its range. The primary threat is the introduced brushtail possum, which heavily browses the palatable leaves and flowers, often killing the plant. The decline of native pollinators like Tūī and Bellbirds also impacts reproduction, as fewer flowers are opened and pollinated. Conservation management focuses on intensive possum control (trapping and baiting), banding host trees to prevent climbing, and caging individual plants in high-risk areas.
Growing Requirements
Hosts
- Common on southern beech and other hardwoods; needs suitable host branches.
- Seeds must be placed on host by birds; cultivation is specialist.
Conditions
- Forest edges and canopy light; needs healthy bird communities for pollination and seed movement.
- Protect from browsers (possums, deer).
Care
- Focus on in‑situ conservation: host protection, pest control, and habitat connectivity.
Planting Guide
Best conserved in situ on host trees rather than conventional garden planting. Support bird habitat and protect host canopies to encourage natural establishment.
Ecological Value
Red Mistletoe has a unique and spectacular pollination relationship with native birds. The "explosive" red flowers remain sealed until a bird, such as a Tūī or Bellbird, twists the top with its beak. This action causes the petals to spring open instantly, showering the bird with pollen which is then carried to other flowers. Beyond pollination, the plant provides a crucial source of nectar and seasonal fruit for forest birds. It also supports the endemic mistletoe moth, Zelleria maculata, whose caterpillars feed on the flower buds.
Ecology & Significance
Pollination
Explosive opening flowers are triggered by birds, dusting them with pollen and aiding cross‑pollination.
Dispersal
Fleshy fruits taken by birds; sticky seeds adhere to branches, where they germinate and form haustoria into the host.
Landscaping Uses
Due to its parasitic nature and specific host requirements, Red Mistletoe is not suitable for general garden cultivation. Establishment rates are low, and it requires a mature host tree. However, gardeners can support this species by planting nectar-rich native trees like Kōwhai and Harakeke (Flax) to attract Bellbirds and Tūī. Increasing the population of these pollinators in the landscape helps facilitate the natural spread of mistletoe seeds from remnant wild populations to nearby suitable hosts.
Seasonal Notes
Spring-Summer
This is the active flowering and fruiting season (November to May). It is the most critical time to monitor for possum presence, as the colourful flowers are highly attractive to browsers. Ensure traps are active.
Autumn-Winter
Seeds are dispersed during this period. The plant enters a slower growth phase. Continue browser control, as evergreen mistletoe foliage becomes a prime target for pests when other forest food sources are scarce.
Pruning & Training
Never prune the mistletoe itself. As a hemiparasite, it relies on its foliage for photosynthesis and its connection to the host for water. If you must prune the host tree for safety reasons, carefully identify branches supporting mistletoe and avoid disturbing them. Any pruning of the host should be done in late winter to minimize stress, ensuring that the specific attachment points (haustoria) are left completely intact and protected from damage.
How to Grow Red Mistletoe
From Seed
Collect ripe berries and extract sticky seeds. Press seeds onto suitable host branches (often beech) so the viscin adheres firmly. Choose semi-shaded sites with firm bark, place multiple seeds per branch, and maintain pest control to reduce browsing. Establishment is slow and success rates are modest even with hand placement - monitor sites through the first summer.
Host Preparation
Target healthy branches 5-20 mm in diameter, clearing loose lichen where necessary. Avoid pruning near inoculation points and do not disturb host bark. Where possible, encourage bird activity that aids both pollination and natural seed placement.
Aftercare
Mark inoculation sites, maintain browser control, and revisit through changing seasons to track attachment and early growth. Share observations with local conservation groups to improve methods.
Distribute efforts across several host trees to spread risk and learn which species and branch aspects work best locally. Seeds that remain glossy and adhesive perform better; if conditions are very dry, a gentle mist can help, but avoid dislodging seeds. Do not wrap or tape over seeds, which can trap moisture and promote rot.
Record-keeping and kaitiakitanga: note host species, branch diameter, height in canopy, shade, and timing. These observations support adaptive management and community knowledge. Always obtain permission to collect fruit, respect rāhui, and follow regional guidance. In most gardens red mistletoe is not practical to cultivate; the most effective action is protecting host forests, controlling browsers, and supporting manu that pollinate flowers and move seed.
Pests & Diseases
The Brushtail Possum is the single greatest threat, capable of stripping a plant bare of leaves and flowers in a short period. Rats are known to eat the flowers and fruits, reducing seed dispersal. Native insects, such as scale insects and the caterpillars of the Zelleria maculata moth, feed on the plant but are generally part of the natural balance unless the plant is already stressed. Fungal pathogens like Valsa species have also been associated with dieback in some populations.
Cultural Significance
Known to Māori as Pikirangi, Pirirangi, or Roeroe, the red mistletoe features in legend. One story tells that it was the last plant remaining in the basket of Tāne Mahuta (god of the forest). Not wanting his "child" to touch the ground, he placed it high in the trees for safekeeping. Traditionally, the sweet, sticky berries were used by Māori children as a form of chewing gum, prized for their lasting taste and chewy texture.
Bonus Tip
The "explosive" mechanism of the Red Mistletoe flower is a fascinating evolutionary adaptation. Without the specific twisting force applied by a bird's beak, the flowers often fail to open at all. This means the survival of this plant is inextricably linked to the health of our native bird populations, and by saving the birds, we ultimately help save the mistletoe!
Related Plants
Forest associates and host species commonly occurring with red mistletoe across lowland to montane beech forests.
