pirita
Ileostylus micranthus | pirita, green mistletoe
One of the few indigenous mistletoes found in urban settings, is a woody, multi-branched epiphytic shrub up to 1m tall, characterised by its distinctive green to yellow-green leathery leaves. This New Zealand native prefers coastal and lowland areas, rarely extending into upper montane forests, and thrives in shrubland and secondary regrowth. It has been observed growing on nearly 300 indigenous and exotic host plants, including apple trees. Once established, it can repeatedly sucker back onto the same host.
typical habitat.
coastal scrub
coastal forest
lowland forest
shrubland
drainage.
free draining
sun.
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 1m
width | 2m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | September - December
fruiting | December - July
did you know?
As a partial parasite, I. micranthus attaches to its host using ball-like masses of runners that connect via specialised root structures called haustoria, positioned at intervals along the host branch to absorb nutrients.