About Melicytus orarius Heenan, de Lange, Courtney & Molloy
This species is a hermaphroditic small bush of the Melicytus genus, reaching up to 2.5 meters (8 feet 2 inches) in height. It has obovate leaves with retuse apices and petals that have purple margins. When growing in exposed conditions, it can take on a prostrate growth form. It was formally described in 2017, and its type specimen was collected from Wellington Harbour. This species is distributed in New Zealand, near Cook Strait, occurring on islands belonging to both the North Island and South Island, as well as on nearby small islets. Its natural habitat consists of exposed headlands and rocky areas close to the sea. It may need extensive seabird guano deposits to grow successfully. Populations found in compromised habitats, such as farmed islands like Kapiti Island or suburban areas of Wellington including Oku Street Reserve, are now considered relict populations. Other populations on Cook Strait islets, particularly those within the Marlborough Sounds, remain viable.
