| Korthalsella salicornioides | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Korthalsella salicornioides on manuka | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Santalales |
| Family: | Santalaceae |
| Genus: | Korthalsella |
| Species: | K. salicornioides |
| Binomial name | |
| Korthalsella salicornioides | |
Korthalsella salicornioides or dwarf mistletoe is an endemic parasitic plant in New Zealand. [1]
Korthalsella salicornicoides is named after the succulent coastal plant Salicornia , because it has succulent stems. These appear as a dense mass of small fleshy leafless twigs, up to 10 centimetres (3.9 inches) long, usually growing on the host plants mānuka ( Leptospermum scoparium ) and kānuka ( Kunzea ericoides ). It is reddish-yellow to green with tiny flowers and small yellow fruits from October to May. [2] It is similar to the other two species of New Zealand leafless mistletoe in the genus Korthalsella , but has denser stems arising at a narrower angle.
This species is scattered across forests and scrublands in New Zealand, only abundant in small local patches. [3] In some areas it is threatened by felling of Leptospermum and Kunzea for firewood, farming, or exotic forestry. [2] It is classed as Threatened-Nationally Critical by the Department of Conservation.