Botanical name:

Korthalsella salicornioides

Common name(s):

Dwarf mistletoe

About:

K. salicornicoides derives its name from the succulent coastal plant Salicornia, owing to its fleshy stems. These stems form a dense cluster of small, leafless twigs that can reach lengths of up to 10 cm, often found growing on host plants such as manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (Kunzea ericoides). The flowers are small, ranging in colour from reddish-yellow to green, and they yield small yellow fruits from October to May. This species shares similarities with the other two leafless mistletoe species in New Zealand within the genus Korthalsella, but K. salicornicoides is characterised by its denser stems that emerge at a narrower angle.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to upper montane and subalpine from 0-1300m. A parasite found in forest and shrub-lands. Most commonly found parasitic on Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka) and members of the Kunzea ssp (kānuka) family.

Growing environment:

Shade, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands. From Te Paki south. Can be easily overlooked.

Height:

Flowering:
October – March

Fruiting:
October - May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Difficult due to the parasitic nature & should never be removed from the wild.