The New Zealand Plant Conservation Network

I suggest that this species is deciduous in colder climates but have found no mention of this from a very quick search of some of the literature. Has anyone else observed complete loss of leaves for this species?

In short "No". Not seen that before and I have worked with it throughout N.Z. all year round. So an interesting observation Chris

In the deep south the only complete loss of leaves I've seen can be put down to herbivory.

I had another look at some plants near Wakefield today. The old leaves have all fallen just as the new ones are developing. I also observed this happening on plants in my garden in Rotorua.

I live in Southland and have never observed this plant shedding leaves here or Otago where I also spend some time. Most situations I've seen it are coastal, although there is one site I've been visiting each winter for the last 7 years with a healthy Tupeia and I've never seen it behave as a deciduous plant (although pronounced leaf drop in spring as new leaves come in is something I have seen).