Harlequin Mistletoe
Lysiana exocarpi

Family: Loranthaceae

What it is like

The leaves are opposite or sometimes clustered. They are smooth and flat. They are 15 cm long by 1 cm wide. They are not thick but are often curved. The flowers are in pairs or threes. They are on a common stalk which is 1.5 cm long. The flowers are yellow or red at the base. they are green at the tip. The fruit are oval and with a blunt end. They are green at first but ripen to red or black.

There are 8 Lysiana species. They grow in Australia.

Where it is found

They grow as parasites on eucalypts and acacias. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw and the sticky seed is discarded.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ngantja, Parka parka

Synonyms

Loranthus exocarpi Behr.;