Loranthaceae Wildflowers

Amyema melaleucae

John Baas — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 06:18:00 GMT

Aerial shrub, hemiparasitic on stems. Fl. pink & red, Jan to Apr or Aug to Nov. Exclusively on Melaleuca.
Family: Loranthaceae Genus: Amyema Species: melaleucae Main Flower Colour: Red

Harlequin mistletoe

Stephen L (Clare) SA — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 06:18:00 GMT

Spreading to pendent shrub, glabrous; external runners absent. Leaves flat or somewhat compressed when very narrow, linear to narrow-oblong, sessile or the wider leaves shortly petiolate, 3–15 cm long, 1–10 mm wide, apex usually rounded, base attenuate to contracted, venation obscure; shortly petiolate. Inflorescence a pedunculate usually 2-flowered umbel; peduncle usually 0.5–2 mm long; pedicels 2–5 mm long; bracts 1–1.5 mm long. Corolla 25–50 mm long, usually red, rarely yellow, sometimes tipped with green or black. Fruit ellipsoidal to ovoid, 6–10 mm long, red or black.
Family: Loranthaceae Genus: Lysiana Species: exocarpi Main Flower Colour: Red

Mistletoe

Member - John and Val — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 06:18:00 GMT

Mistletoes are parasites on trees and shrubs. They use the host plant to provide water and some sugars which are accessed via a specialised structure (haustoria) that penetrates the stem of the host. The plant in the photo was hosted on a mulga (Acacia sp) although numerous other species of tree and shrub can act as a host plant. The particular mistletoe species is pendulous, and greyish coloured. Flowers in sets of 3, the 5 petals covered with short white hairs. Also known as Loranthus quandang or Loranthus canus
Family: Loranthaceae Genus: Amyema Species: quandang Main Flower Colour: Pink