Scarlet mistletoe
Scarlet mistletoe is a striking mistletoe endemic to New Zealand, preferring the cool embrace of beech forest canopies. This epiphyte exhibits vibrant red flowers, which emerge from curious, balloon-like buds. Its leaves are leathery and spear-shaped, adapting to thrive high above the ground, reliant on its host for nutrients. In summer, its distinctive blooms attract nectar-feeding birds, playing a role in pollination.