Mistletoe (Amyema sp.) mimics its host, Eucalyptus, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland,

Discussion in 'Botany Photo of the Day Submissions' started by Krystyna Szulecka, Jul 15, 2007.

  1. Krystyna Szulecka

    Krystyna Szulecka Active Member

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    Mistletoe (Amyema sp.) mimics its host, Eucalyptus, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Australia

    This picture is of an Amyema species of Mistletoes.
    See http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/58041/Cun5Dow685.pdf for discussions on host and general lack of host specificity in Australian Mistletoes, search the paper for the word mimicry. Also see http://asgap.org.au/APOL2006/jul06-1.html for a little more easily understood information. Many of Australian Mistletoes also do not mimic their hosts e.g. Dendropthoe vitellina has stiff looking branches and very broad leaves, and it is certainly noticeable on Eucalypts.
    TonyR made fallowing comments: A very common mistletoe (family Loranthaceae) on Eucalyptus trees. Genus is Amyema, species either A. pendulum or A. miquelii. Can't see enough detail of inflorescence structure to be sure, but inclined to think A. miquelii. It has all flowers stalked (pedicels 3-6 mm), while A. pendulum has centre flower of each group of 3 sessile (stalkless).
     

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