Botanical name:

Peraxilla colensoi

Common name(s):

Scarlet mistletoe, korukoru, pirita, roeroe

About:

P. colensoi is a fleshy shrub that can reach widths of up to 3m, growing in a parasitic manner on the outer branches of beech trees. This unique plant features glossy green leaves that are thick and fleshy, arranged in pairs, and produces an abundance of vibrant red tubular flowers. As these flowers bloom and eventually fall, their bright petals create a beautiful carpet that litters the forest floor beneath the plants, adding to the natural beauty of the environment.

Natural habitat:

A parasite mainly found in silver beech forest but has been recorded on 16 host species (9 exotic) in New Zealand including red beech (Fuscospora fusca) and black beech (Fuscospora cliffortioides). Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and bellbird (Anthonis melanura) disperse this species in the North Island.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Island, but common only in southern parts of the South Island.

Height:

Flowering:

October - January with a reddish pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

April - June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Can be grown from fresh seed placed on suitable host tissue (ideally Lophozonia menziesii). Although seed germinates readily the ability of the seedling to form a firm host is rather variable. Failure rates are high and experimentation with plenty of fresh seed is usually needed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.