Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants - Online edition

Korthalsella papuana Danser


Mistletoe
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Inflorescence, Flowers. © CSIRO
Inflorescence, Flowers. © CSIRO
© CSIRO
Family

Danser, B. H. (1938) Blumea 3: 53. Type: Papua, crest of the Main Range NW of the Gap, Carr 15120; Holo: L; Iso: LAE.

Stem

Internodes flattened and resemble leaves, about 8-50 x 2-20 mm. Venation quite well developed parallel with 3-8 obvious veins.

Leaves

Leaves absent or very small, about 1 mm long.

Flowers

Flowers produced in whorls arranged in spikes. Spikes produced singly or in threes at the apex of a flattened internode (cladode). Spike about 15-20 cm long. Male flowers: Flowers about 0.5 mm diam. Pollen shed through a single terminal pore connected to all three anthers. Flowers 40 or more in each whorl. Flowers interspersed with reddish hairs which become more obvious at the fruiting stage. Female flowers: Flowers globular, about 0.5 mm diam.

Fruit

Fruits +/- obovoid, about 1.5-2 mm long. Seeds laterally compressed, about 1 mm long. Embryo about 0.3 mm long.

Seedlings

Features not available.

Distribution and Ecology

Occurs in NEQ and CEQ. Altitudinal range from 1000-1600 m. Also found in New Guinea.

Natural History & Notes

Parasitic on a variety of rain forest species.

RFK Code
6032
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