Tupeia is a monotypic genus of semi-parasitic shrubs (mistletoes) which occurs in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.[2] There is only one species in the genus: Tupeia antarctica.[2] There are no synonyms.[2]
The species, Tupeia antarctica (common names - taapia, pirita, white mistletoe, tupia), is a dioecious[5] mistletoe which grows up to 1 m wide. Its bark is white, and the twigs are finely hairy. The leaves are variously shaped, fleshy, bright green and from 10 to 70 mm long. The flowers are tiny and the fruit is white to pinkish.[6]
The genus is named for Tupaia (c. 1725 – 1770), a Tahitian navigator and priest.[6][7] The specific epithet, antarctica, derives from the Latin word, anti, meaning "against" or "opposite" and the Greek word, arktos, meaning "bear", giving an adjective, antarctica, which meant opposite the constellations of the Ursus Major and Ursus Minor, "opposing the north", or "Antarctic".[8]
Tupeia antarctica was originally described by G.Forst. in 1786 as Viscum antarcticum,[9][10] but the genus was revised to Tupeia in 1828 by Chamisso and Schlechtendal.[2]
Tupeia antarctica is classified (2018) as having an "At Risk - Declining" conservation status under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, (its predicted decline from greater than 100 000 individuals being from 10 to 70%).[1] A 2002 study[11] discusses the threat from possum browsing which is preventing the recruitment of new individuals.
^Forster, G. (1786). "Fl. Ins. Austr". p. 70. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
^Sweetapple, P. J., et al. Sweetapple, P. J.; Nugent, G.; Whitford, J.; Knightbridge, P. I. (2002). "Mistletoe (Tupeia Antarctica) Recovery and Decline Following Possum Control in a New Zealand Forest". New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 26 (1): 61–71. JSTOR24056285. pdf
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