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© John Tann from Sydney, Australia, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Muellerina, Genus, eucalyptoides, Species,
- Genus & species
creeping mistletoe
Overview
Muellerina eucalyptoides is an evergreen aerial hemiparasite in the family Loranthaceae that grows on the branches of eucalypts and related trees, drawing water and minerals from the host through specialised attachments. It forms pendulous, trailing stems 1.5-6 feet (0.5-1.8 m) long that hang from the host branch. The narrow, leathery leaves are 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, grey-green, and often curved, resembling the foliage of the eucalypt host. Small tubular flowers in green to reddish tones, about 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long, appear in clusters along the stems, followed by small oval berries that birds eat and spread. The plant produces its own chlorophyll but depends on a living host for water, and heavy infestations can weaken or kill host branches. It establishes where birds deposit seed onto suitable host bark, mainly on Eucalyptus and Angophora.
Native Range
Native to eastern and southeastern Australia, across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Occurs in open forest and woodland wherever suitable eucalypt hosts grow, from the coast to inland ranges.Suggested Uses
Not cultivated as a garden plant, as it grows only on living host trees. In natural woodland and on host eucalypts it contributes berries and shelter used by birds and insects. Its presence is managed on host trees in parks and gardens where branch loss is a concern.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 6'
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Colors
Bloom Information
Tubular flowers appear mainly in summer and autumn, from December to May in its native range, varying with location and host. Flowering and fruiting can overlap, and berries ripen over several months. Birds feeding on the berries spread the seed to new host branches.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to reddishFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight