Dendrophthoe falcata

Dendrophthoe falcata is a large branch parasite. It is an evergreen and much-branched shrub growing up to 2-2.5 m.

The bark of Dendrophthoe falcata is grey-coloured and smooth. The stems are dilated at the base (parasite-host contact).

The leaves of Dendrophthoe falcata grow opposite on the stem.
The leaf is simple, bright green-coloured above and paler beneath. The leaf is coriaceous and glabrous on both sides.
The leaves have a 5-6 mm long petiole.
The leaf of Dendrophthoe falcata is 6-14 cm long and 2.5-4.5 cm wide. The shape of the blade is very variable, from ovate to lanceolate or falcate, the apex is obtuse, the base is rounded and the margins are entire.
The venation of the leaf is pinnate with a prominent midrib.

The flowers of Dendrophthoe falcata are grouped in axillary racemes (at the upper axils of the leaves).
The calyx is tubular, 4-5 mm long and 2 mm across. The calyx is light green and glabrous.
The corolla is tubular, 5 cm long and 2-4 mm wide, inflated and curved in the middle with 5 short, 6-7 mm long and greenish lobes. The corolla is yellowish-coloured (sometimes pinkish) and green at the tip.
The androecium is composed of 5 stamens. The filaments are 4-5 mm long and pubescent with oblong and 5 mm long anthers at their tips.
The style is filiform and 5 cm long and the stigma is small and globose.
The ovary is oblong and 3-4 mm across.

The fruit of Dendrophthoe falcata is an oblong berry. The fruit is 1.3-1.5 mm long and 6-7 mm wide and crowned by the persistent calyx. It is green turning yellow-pinkish-coloured when ripe.

Ecology :
Dendrophthoe falcata is found from the coastal plains up to 1500 m on the hills. The species is very common in scrub jungles and deciduous forests.
It is the most common of all the mistletoes that occur in India. At the moment reports say that it has around 401 plant hosts. (Wikipedia)

Distribution :
Indo-Malesia biogeographical region, China and Australia