Botanical name:

Tupeia antarctica

Common name(s):

Tāpia, pirita, white mistletoe, tupia, kohuorangi

About:

Tupeia antarctica is a small, semi-parasitic shrub characterised by its hairy stems and leaf stalks, which support a beautiful array of bright green leaves. When it attaches to its host, it develops a large, distinctive gall that can be quite noticeable. The leaves of this intriguing plant vary significantly in both size and shape, and they are sometimes deciduous, adding to the plant’s unique features. As a partial parasite, Tupeia antarctica forms connections with a wide range of host plants, showcasing its adaptability in different environments.

Natural habitat:

Forest or scrub (often in regenerating vegetation), where it is parasitic on a wide range of hosts including tarata, karo, Coprosma species, putaputaweta, fivefinger, white maire and broom.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

October - December with a green or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December - March

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests.

How to grow:

Difficultly grown. Has been grown successfully by some people but many others have failed. Best success is achieved with seed that has been sown fresh (within one to two days of harvesting) onto a suitable host.

** The seeds are perishable and cannot be stored. After collection & cleaning the seed should be sown immediately.