Haekaro is a versatile native evergreen shrub, bearing dark green oval leaves and clusters of sweetly-scented, cup-shaped flowers that emerge in spring. Pollinated by birds and insects, its flowers are amongst the largest in the genus. Its nectar is rich and the later-bearing fruit a valuable food resource for lizards.
Endemic to coastal forest and understory plant communities in the North Island, it grows to ~7m x 3m and provides erosion control through its canopy and network of roots.
The young branches and leaves are covered with fine hairs, helping to withstand salt spray in its native environments.
Haekaro is a host tree for pua o te reinga (flower of the underworld) - Dactylanthus taylorii is the only fully parasitic plant in New Zealand!
This unique plant is significant in the native flora of New Zealand. It connects to host trees' roots using a stem that also resembles a root. As a result, the host root transforms with an appearance of a fluted wooden rose, and it is through this connection, similar to a placenta, that the dactylanthus obtains all nutrients.
It is currently classified as Threatened-Nationally Vulnerable and is a high-priority threatened species for the Department of Conservation.
Devoid of green leaves or true roots, the plant known by the Māori name "pua o te reinga" (flower of the underworld), reveals its flowers as they emerge from below the ground. Its powerful fragrance lures pollinators, including the endangered ancient species unique to New Zealand, the Lesser Short-tailed Bat (Mystacina tuberculata).
New Zealand's only native terrestrial mammals known by the Māori name pekapeka, have distinctive adaptations that set them apart from bats found elsewhere in the world. These adaptations enable them to navigate the forest floor in search of food, using their folded wings in a manner akin to front limbs.