Macrosolen parasiticus | |
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At Thattekad in India | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Santalales |
Family: | Loranthaceae |
Genus: | Macrosolen |
Species: | M. parasiticus
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Binomial name | |
Macrosolen parasiticus | |
Synonyms [1] | |
Macrosolen parasiticus is a species of parasitic shrub in the family Loranthaceae. [2] It is commonly called parasite honeysuckle. It is widely distributed in tropical South and South West Indian regions especially in the Western Ghats. [3] Macrosolen parasiticus species were described by Danser (1938). [4]
Macrosolen parasiticus is a parasitic shrub with thickened stem at nodes, like mistletoe. The oppositely arranged, ovate-lanceolate leaves have sharp tips and rounded bases. The leaf stalk (petiole) is 6–12 mm long. The flowers are few and stalkless. The peduncle carrying the spikes is up to 1 cm long. The flowers have a long, variegated, reddish flower tube, which is slightly curved. It has six, 5–6 mm long petals which are green and turned back.[ clarification needed] The fruit is an ovoid berry, green, with persistent sepals. [2] Flowering and fruiting occurs from December to May. [3]