Western Australian Christmas Tree, Mudja, Mooja
Nuytsia floribunda
Family: Loranthaceae
What it is like
A small tree. It grows 3-9 m high. It spreads 2-7 m wide. It grows by living on other plants. It is a mistletoe which grows into a tree. The bark is grey to brown. The leaves are long and thick. They are 4-10 cm long by 0.3-0.8 cm wide. They are dull green or bluish-green. The leaves are alternate and without stalks. The flowers are brilliant gold. They occur in dense sprays. The flowers are 1.2 cm long. They have 6-8 spreading narrow petals. The fruit are dry and brown. They are 1.5 cm long. They are light and with wings and blow in the wind.
There is only one Nuytsia species.
Where it is found
It grows in warm temperate semi-arid regions. They grow in the SW forest in Western Australia. It needs well drained soil. It needs to grow in full sun. It can stand light frost. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The roots have edible suckers. The bark layer is peeled off to reveal the sweet edible layer. The gum which uses from the cut tree is also edible. Flowers are soaked in water to make a sweet drink.
Edible parts
Roots, gum, flower nectar
How it is grown
It suckers easily. It grows on the roots of other plants. It is difficult to grow outside its natural environment. It seems to grow amongst grasses and Banksias. Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate after 22-90 days.
It is slow growing and long lived. Trees take 10 years or more to flower.