Large dodderlaurel, Mallee Strangle Vine
Cassytha melantha
Family: Lauraceae
What it is like
It is a tough twining plant that lives off other plants. It keeps growing from year to year. It can grow 9 m high and spread 3-4 m wide. It appears to be leafless. The flowers are very small and white. They are less than 10 mm across. The fruit are fleshy berries. They are round, green and without hairs. They become black at maturity.
There are 15-20 Cassytha species. Sometimes they are in the family Cassythaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in open forest and woodland. It kills the host plant. It mostly grows on Eucalypts. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
CAUTION: Some Cassytha have an alkaloid that can cause abortion and should not therefore be eaten by pregnant women.
Edible parts
Fruit