hangs from the unstable cliff faces

Size
Height: 1–2 m, Spread: 1–2 m, can reach 3 m
Lifespan
10–20 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from well-drained often poor soils in coastal environments.
Habitat
Coastal cliffs scrubland and unstable slopes. Prefers well-drained often poor soils with full sun. Often found at tops and bases of unstable cliffs and rock falls.
Range
Formerly widespread in Northland and eastern side of Hauraki Gulf. Now found in only one wild site. Naturalised in some other areas from cultivated specimens.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from coastal development is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums goats and rabbits. Competition from invasive weeds. Climate change affecting coastal habitats.
Population
Populations have declined dramatically. Species listed as Nationally Critical by NZPCN. Only one wild population remains. Some plants may be result of Māori cultivation.
Conservation Status
Nationally Critical
Human Risk
poisonous
Handling Note
seeds contain toxic alkaloids, ingestion causes severe illness
Conservation Note
Endemic shrub; restricted to specific coastal sites and threatened by habitat loss and browsing.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition kōwhai ngutu-kākā was prized plant for beautiful red flowers. Name means kōwhai with beak of kākā. Flowers sometimes used in garlands. Plant cultivated near settlements. Rarity today is great loss. Conservation efforts underway to save this taonga or treasure from extinction. Represents fragility of New Zealand's unique flora and importance of active conservation.
Conservationists count them carefully. Clianthus puniceus is one of New Zealand's rarest native plants. Flower that looks like parrot's beak. Shrub produces brilliant red claw-shaped flowers. Hang in clusters resembling curved beak of kākā parrot. Flowers appear from early spring to late summer. Plant has neat fern-like compound leaves. Up to 40 pairs of small leaflets. Sprawling shrub that can reach three metres in height. Plant that wears best feature on its face. Flowers are plant's most striking feature. Bright red sometimes with hint of orange or pink. Hang in drooping clusters. Each flower shaped like curved claw. Hooded upper petal and projecting lower lip. Flowers are pollinated by birds particularly tūī and bellbirds. Attracted to nectar. Flower that feeds birds that look like it. Species has declined dramatically due to habitat loss and browsing by introduced animals. Possums goats and rabbits eat leaves and shoots. Preventing regeneration. Weeds compete for light and space. Only one wild population remains on remote coastal cliff. Plant is critically endangered in wild. Flower on edge. Conservation efforts include seed banking propagation and predator control. Seeds stored in seed banks to preserve genetic diversity. Plants grown in nurseries and reintroduced to predator-fenced sanctuaries. Some reintroductions have been successful. Plants flowering and setting seed. Species may have been cultivated by Māori near settlements. Could explain some wild populations not in natural habitat. Prized for beautiful flowers which were used in garlands. Coastal cliff is remote. Kākā beak grows red flowers hanging waiting for bird that may not come. Possums are elsewhere. Weeds held back. Plant flowers. It does not know it is rare. Does not know it is hanging on. It just blooms. No one told it otherwise.