Threat category:
Threatened: Nationally Vulnerable?Regions:
Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Taranaki, WellingtonDistribution:
North Island
Key Features
- Shrub to 1.5 m
- Sometimes terrestrial but generally an epiphyte.
- Older stems have grey bark but young branchlets are purple.
- Leaves are up to 10 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, variable in shape and usually toothed toward the tip. They are green above, often tinged maroon, and paler below.
- Flower heads are borne in dense clusters, with flowers having white petals.
- The fruit is dry and fluffy for wind dispersal.
Distribution and Habitat
- North Island, scattered populations in lowland to montane forest.
Threats
- Habitat modification and loss.
- Browsing by possums, goats and deer.
Management Opportunities
- Survey for new locations.
- Mark known sites.
- Protection of habitat.
- Pest control by poisoning, trapping and hunting.
- Ensure that forest owners are aware of potential habitats and can recognise the species. It is often overlooked because of its epiphytic habit.
Monitoring Options
- Check existing populations annually.
- Report new locations to DOC, NZPCN.
Further Information and Support
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN). http://www.nzpcn.org.nz
- Pest control - Department of Conservation, Regional Councils.