How does a Dactylanthus plant get its name?
This fascinating plant grows as a root-like stem attached to the root of a host tree. In response to dactylanthus, the host root moulds into the shape of a fluted wooden rose, which gives the plant its previous common name of wood rose. It is through this placenta-like attachment that dactylanthus draws all its nutrients.
Where is Dactylanthus taylorii found in New Zealand?
Dactylanthus is currently found only in the North Island, although there is evidence from fossil pollen it lived recently in the northern South Island. It ranges from Puketi Forest in Northland through the Coromandel Peninsula as far south as Mt Bruce, and from Mt Taranaki to Te Araroa on the East Coast.
Who are the pollinators of Dactylanthus taylorii plants?
Plants are dioecious, either male or female, and only rarely hermaphrodites. They flower between February and May and are primarily pollinated by the native short-tailed bat. Analysis of fossil coprolites suggest the kākāpō ( Strigops habroptilus ), a flightless nocturnal parrot, was also a pollinator.
Why are there so many possums on Dactylanthus flowers?
Possum browsing on flowers and preventing seed set is the greatest long-term threat to dactylanthus. Attempts to protect dactylanthus flowers by controlling possum numbers have had limited success. Protecting the plant from possums with simple cages or exclosures has proved effective in allowing the plants to flower and produce seeds.
This fascinating plant grows as a root-like stem attached to the root of a host tree. In response to dactylanthus, the host root moulds into the shape of a fluted wooden rose, which gives the plant its previous common name of wood rose. It is through this placenta-like attachment that dactylanthus draws all its nutrients.
Dactylanthus is currently found only in the North Island, although there is evidence from fossil pollen it lived recently in the northern South Island. It ranges from Puketi Forest in Northland through the Coromandel Peninsula as far south as Mt Bruce, and from Mt Taranaki to Te Araroa on the East Coast.
Possum browsing on flowers and preventing seed set is the greatest long-term threat to dactylanthus. Attempts to protect dactylanthus flowers by controlling possum numbers have had limited success. Protecting the plant from possums with simple cages or exclosures has proved effective in allowing the plants to flower and produce seeds.
Plants are dioecious, either male or female, and only rarely hermaphrodites. They flower between February and May and are primarily pollinated by the native short-tailed bat. Analysis of fossil coprolites suggest the kākāpō ( Strigops habroptilus ), a flightless nocturnal parrot, was also a pollinator.
