The New Zealand Woodrose (latin name: Dactylanthus taylorii) is a root parasite and one of our more rare species as it has a status of critically endangered. It's Maori name is "pua o te reinga", which literally translates to 'flower of the underworld'. Nifty huh?
The Woodrose is restricted to patches of forest in the North Island of New Zealand and a small area down near Nelson in the South Island. It is non-host specific, meaning it can grow on the roots of many different species of tree, but it tends to prefer New Zealand natives.
It is also one of the few parasitic plants in the world that exhibit dioecy (that means there are separate male and female plants). This is both a blessing and a curse as the plant cannot self pollinate (increasing genetic diversity) but it also makes successful seed development a lot harder as they are so rare already.
The only part of the plant that you can see without digging is the flowers, which are heavily scented and predominantly pollinated by New Zealand Short Tailed Bats. Polynesian Rats and Norwegian Rats can also act as pollinators, but they do a fair amount of damage to the flowers when they do. Possums and pigs are also a big problem, although they do not act as pollinators.
Another group that also cause a lot of problems for this plant is humans. Yes, you read that right. Because of the fluted wooden flower form of the Woodrose, it is considered a pretty alternative to carved wooden flowers and is popular as an embellishment on trophies.
The Department of Conservation here in New Zealand have taken to placing cages around known Woodrose sites in order to protect them from pests and humans alike. I have seen these on Mount Taranaki, but will not be disclosing in what location for their own safety.
The important message here is please, if you find any (caged or not) DO NOT PICK THIS PLANT. They are not edible or medicinal plants.There is no good reason to be picking them and there are not enough of them to go around as is, so leave any you find to help regrow the population.
Also, please report any uncaged or dug up/on sale specimens to the Department of Conservation so steps can be taken to protect them. More information can be found on their website too.
Photo credits (in order): Department of Conservation New Zealand, terranature.org, Department of Conservation New Zealand.
I can see why people would pick them, they are quite interesting to see.
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