bio.wikisort.org - Plant

Korthalsella salicornioides or dwarf mistletoe is an endemic parasitic plant in New Zealand.[1]

Korthalsella salicornioides
Korthalsella salicornioides on manuka
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Santalales
Family:	Santalaceae
Genus:	Korthalsella
Species:	K. salicornioides
Binomial name
Korthalsella salicornioides (A.Cunn.) Tiegh.

Description

Korthalsella salicornicoides is named after the succulent coastal plant Salicornia, because it has succulent stems. These appear as a dense mass of small fleshy leafless twigs, up to 10 cm long, usually growing on the host plants manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (Kunzea ericoides). It is reddish-yellow to green with tiny flowers and small yellow fruits from October to May.[2] It is similar to the other two species of New Zealand leafless mistletoe in the genus Korthalsella, but has denser stems arising at a narrower angle.

Conservation

This species is scattered across forests and scrublands in New Zealand, only abundant in small local patches.[3] In some areas it is threatened by felling of Leptospermum and Kunzea for firewood, farming, or exotic forestry.[2] It is classed as At Risk: Naturally Uncommon by the Department of Conservation.

References

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