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Harlequin mistletoe

Harlequin mistletoe

Lysiana exocarpi

Family: Loranthaceae

Parasitic shrub bearing vivid red flowers with a green tip followed by round red or black edible fruit.

Many plants can be used as hosts such as Acacia kempeana, Acacia aneura, Eremophila spp., Exocarpos, Myoporum montanum, Santalum spp. and Senna spp.

Common throughout South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria with smaller populations also in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.

Plants spread by mistletoe birds which wipe the seeds on branches after digestion.

Where to find this plant at Alice Springs Desert Park

Look out for mistletoe on host plants throughout the park.

Source:
Moore, P., 2005. A Guide to Plants of Inland Australia, Reed New Holland, Sydney

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