Dendrophthoe

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Dendrophthoe

Description

Aerial stem-parasitic shrubs, often robust, usually with epicortical runners bearing secondary haustoria. Leaves commonly alternate or scattered, less commonly opposite. Inflorescences a simple raceme or spike, sometimes very few-flowered and seemingly umbellate; bract single under each flower, simple. Fruit ovoid.

Distribution

Asia-Tropical, Tropical Africa present, southeastwards to Australia present, southern Asia present
About 38 species in tropical Africa, southern Asia and southeastwards to Australia. In Malesia 21 species, without an obvious centre of diversity.

Ecology

In Malesia many species are aggressive, with broad host ranges, often occurring on cultivated trees.

Citation

Tiegh. 1895 – In: Bull. Soc. Bot. France: 241
Danser 1931 – In: Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg: 397