korukoru
Peraxilla colensoi | korukoru, Scarlet mistletoe, pirita, roeroe
New Zealand's largest native mistletoe, is a striking hemiparasitic bushy shrub that can reach an impressive 3 meters in diameter, typically found high on the outer branches of host trees. This fleshy shrub boasts thick, glossy green leaves, arranged in pairs in bloom, it produces an abundance of vibrant red, long, and narrow tubular flowers. As these petals fall, they create a beautiful red carpet on the forest floor below. The flowers are followed by oval, yellow fruits.
typical habitat.
Korukoru is a parasite (meaning it obtains water and nutrients from the roots of other plants but also manufactures food through photosynthesis) it is mainly found in silver beech forest but has been recorded on 16 host species (9 exotic) in New Zealand including red beech and black beech.
drainage.
well drained
sun.
partial shade
full sun
mature specifications.
height | 1m
width | 3m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October - January
fruiting | January - March
did you know?
Currently, New Zealand's leafy mistletoe and its relatives are declining nationwide due to multiple threats. The most significant factor seems to be brushtail possums. Their extensive browsing is considered the primary reason for mistletoe's disappearance from vast areas of the country's beech forests.