Mistletoe, Collared mistletoe
Lysiana spathulata

Family: Loranthaceae

What it is like

A semi parasitic mistletoe. The stems are erect and the branches hang down. The leaves hang down. The leaves occur opposite one another. The leaves are 5-8 cm long by 1.2-2.5 cm wide. They taper to the stalk. The tip is rounded and can be spoon shaped. It often grows on Acacia, Grevillea and Santalum sp. The flowers are long and red. One or 2 flowers occur together. They are 2-3 cm long. The flowers are curved and deeply split. The flower stalks are 7 cm long. The fruit are 0.8-1.2 cm long. It has a collar just below its tip.

There are 8 Lysiana species. They grow in Australia.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in northern Australia. It grows from sea level to 800 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The nectar from the flowers is sucked by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, flower nectar

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Nyilanyil

Synonyms

Loranthus exocarpi var. spathulata Blakely; Lysiana exocarpi var. spathulata (Blakely) Chippendale;