Misodendrum punctulatum

Description

Misodendrum punctulatum is a species of parasitic plant which grows as a mistletoe on various species of Nothofagus, especially on deciduous species like N. antarctica and N. pumilio, but also on the evergreen N. dombeyi and N. betuloides. It is native to humid forests in the southern part of South America where it grows on trees on south-facing slopes and in shady locations. Misodendrum punctulatum grows into a small, much-branched bush some 25 cm (10 in) high. Growth is sympodial, a growth pattern in which the apical meristem terminates and growth continues by lateral meristems. The leaves are scales with reduced photosynthetic activity. Small flowers are produced in spring in the axils of the leaves on second-year growth. These are followed by small achenes with hairy bristles. These are dispersed by wind and become entangled on tree branches by their bristles. Mistletoes in this genus, Misodendrum, are the only wind-dispersed hemiparasites.