Macrosolen parasiticus

Macrosolen parasiticus is a species of parasitic shrub in the family Loranthaceae. It is commonly called parasite honeysuckle. It is widely distributed in tropical South and South West Indian regions especially in the Western Ghats. Macrosolen parasiticus species were described by Danser.

Description

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 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. The fruit is an ovoid berry, green, with persistent sepals. Flowering and fruiting occurs from December to May.