[6] Other parts of the flower are symmetrical[1] apex obtuse, carpels 1–6, stigma apical[6] very short stamens but many (6-20)[6] crowded around a few short ovaries[1] The Pseudowintera axillaris fruits are berries, one from each ovary[1] producing a 3-6-seeded fleshy globose to subglobose berry 5-6mm in diameter[6] orange to red when ripe.
[1] Included within the family of Winteraceae where many of these plant species are found in Southern North America, and temperate Asia.
[2] The Pseudowintera axillaris is commonly found in both the North and South Island, in Lowland and lower montane forests.
The Lowland Horopito favours colder and more shaded environments, where taller more invasive trees grow and provide a vegetative cover.
This is due to the fact branches, leaves and twigs fall off these bigger trees and contribute to the nutrients of the soil below, creating a humus layer.
It is known that New Zealand forests are quite unique, where the actions of tectonism, volcanism, stratification, erosion, flooding and other naturally occurring processes all contribute to the production of soil development.
We have harsh, however adaptable environments where soil is enriched with nutrients and provides a stable habitat for over 80% of New Zealand's native vascular plants.
Nitrogen or protein rich soils are often found where manures, food scraps, decay and green leaves are present.
[14] This is why the Humus layer within Lower montane forests provides such a strong nutrient enriched base for shade loving plants.
Possums for example are a huge pest to New Zealand as they eat and damage the forest at every point, taking mainly leaves, buds and fruits, as well as scratching tree bark and breaking small branchlets.
Although these Epiphytes usually intend to exploit larger trees, their biggest threat to the Lowland Horopito is their large roots that overcome the water supply and soil nutrients.
[16] A common parasite found in Lowland to Montane forests throughout the North Island is the Dactylanthus taylorii (Pua Reinga – Flower of the Underworld).
As a result, the Winteraceae family has managed to adapt with an efficient built-in defence mechanism of a compound called Sesquiterpene Dialdehyde polygodial which has many biological purposes including anti-fungal properties.
[19] Early European settlers also used the bark as a substitute for quinine and the sap to aid skin diseases and cure gonorrhoea.
In more recent times, the Horopito has been used for its antifungal properties treating bacterial and fungal infections such as Candida albicans.