Botanical name:

Alepis flavida

Common name(s):

Yellow mistletoe, pirita, piriraki

About:

A semi-parasitic shrub primarily found on the outer branches of beech trees. It becomes especially noticeable when in bloom or from its fallen flowers on the ground. The leaves are oval, dull green, and edged with a distinctive reddish margin. Its tubular, orange-yellow flowers grow in small clusters, adding to its striking appearance.

Natural habitat:

Its host is most commonly mountain or black beech but it has been recorded on 13 species, all indigenous to New Zealand. In North Island A. flavida is dispersed by bellbirds (Anthonis melanura) although it has never been common in the North Island.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North & South islands.

Height: Up to 2m

Flowering: 

December - February with a  yellow – orange coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

From January with a small oval berry.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Difficult as they require a beech trees as a host. Propagation is by seed.