Exocarpos bidwillii

Exocarpos bidwillii is a small, sprawling, leafless shrub endemic to New Zealand and is a member of the family Santalaceae, most of which are regarded as root hemiparasites. In this instance there is a body of opinion that Exocarpos bidwillii may not be parasitic.

Distribution and habitat

It is found mainly in montane to subalpine open areas, mostly in rocky places of the South Island, from latitudes 41° to 45° 30'.
Host plants include snow tōtara, tāwhai rauriki, and mānuka.

Etymology and taxonomy

The species name is after John Carne Bidwill.
Exocarpos bidwillii is in the Santalaceae family. The name of the species was given by Joseph Hooker.

Phenology

According to Allan 1961 Exocarpos bidwillii flowering occurs January to February, and fruiting January to April. iNaturalist observations indicate that the peak month for flowering is September and for fruiting is December and January. Recent extensive field observations in three sites in the Nelson Mineral Belt with macro photography have provided clear identification of reproductive anatomy at each phenological stage.