Melicytus flexuosus

Key Features

• A shrub to 5 m tall, with interlaced, more or less leafless, grey-green, whiplike branches.
• Branchlet surfaces are covered in small, white pits.
• Leaves, if present, are linear, about 1-2 cm long, and may be slightly toothed.
• Flowers are small, (2-3 mm) yellow, and fragrant.

Distribution and Habitat

• Central North Island, widespread in the South Island.
• Forest margins or in shrublands on fertile, frosty or droughty valley floor sites.

Threats

• Habitat modification and loss.
• Recruitment failure due to competition with weeds and grasses, and browse by stock, rabbits and hares.
• Fire.

Management Opportunities

• Survey for new locations.
• Mark known sites.
• Protection of habitat – avoid afforestation of known sites.
• Collect seed for propagation and re-establishment at appropriate sites.
• Ensure that forest owners are aware of potential habitats and can recognise the species.

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.
• References
  • Dopson et al. (1999). The conservation requirements of New Zealand’s nationally threatened vascular plants. Threatened Species Occasional Publication 13. Department of Conservation, Wellington.
  • Poole & Adams (1994). Trees and shrubs of New Zealand. Maanaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.
  • Wilson & Galloway (1993). Small-leaved shrubs of New Zealand. Manuka Press, Christchurch.
  • Wilson & Given (1989). Threatened plants of New Zealand. DSIR Publishing, Wellington.
  • Molloy, B.P.J. and Druce, A.P. (1994). A new species name in Melicytus (Violaceae) from New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany32: 113–11 8.