Leptomeria acida
Leptomeria acida R.Br.
Leptomeria acida is a leafless parasitic shrub in the Santalaceae family, found in eastern Australia. It grows in dry eucalyptus woodlands, often in sheltered locations. The plant is a root parasite with stiff, angular, and spreading branchlets. Red flowers appear in summer on racemes, measuring 15 to 20 mm in length. The fruit is a green or reddish drupe, occasionally with a purple tinge. Leaves are very small, 1 to 2 mm long, and nearly imperceptible.
Description
Leptomeria acida, commonly known as acid drops or sour currant-bush, is a root parasite native to the coastal and mountainous regions of eastern Australia. It is distributed across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. This species lacks functional leaves and relies on its host plants for nutrients. The shrub produces red flowers during the summer months, arranged in racemes. The fruit is a small drupe that can be green, reddish, or occasionally tinged with purple. The plant's branchlets are rigid, angular, and spread outward. Leaves, when present, are extremely small, measuring 1 to 2 mm in length, and are barely visible.
Distribution
New South Wales · Queensland · Victoria
