An area of open Eucalyptus forest in Warrandyte State Park,Victoria,Australia,showing a Eucalyptus tree with mistletoe. Australia has 90 species of native mistletoe,of which 71 are endemic. 88 are aerial parasites of trees,2 are root parasites. Heavily infested trees may contain as many as 20 mistletoes,at which level the parasite may cause death to its host due to drought. Mistletoes represent a reliable source of food for animals and birds,since many have a long flowering and fruiting season. Landscapes with mistletoes have been shown to have a greater diversity of bird and animals species than those without.The picture shows a Eucalyptus tree infested with drooping mistletoe,Amyema pendulis. The parasite is visible as a drooping mass of stems with leaves of a brighter,more yellow,green hue than the leaves of the host. There are 9 mistletoes visible in this picture | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 5212 px × 3468 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |