THE MISTLETOE FAMILY 131 



An allied family is the Nutmeg family (Myristicacece), of which the 

 TQ'utmeg Tree {Myristica fragrans; Kan. Jayi) is generally known. 

 Its well-knQwn seed has a red lacerate aril growing from the hiliim, 

 and an oily, ruminate endosperm. 



30. The Mistletoe Family 



(Loranthaceae). 



Parasitic shrubs. Leaves often fleshy. Petals four to eight, free 

 or united. Stamens as many and opposite to the petals. Ovary in- 

 ferior, one-celled and one-seeded. Fruit a berry or drupe. 



The Loranthus (Loranthus longiflorus). 



{Kan. Bandanige, Badanike. Mai. Pullunni.) 



1. Parasites and Epiphytes. — Certain plants grow on trees, 

 having leaves and flowers different from those of their hosts, 

 growing out of their branches like twigs, as if they were grafted 

 on them. The vernacular names, generally given to these plants, 

 mean what in English is called pay^asite.^ Such plants insert 

 their roots into the stems of the plants on which they settle and 

 derive their nourishment from the jnice of the host. 



Parasites must be clearly distinguished from epiphytes.f 

 The latter settle also on branches of other trees, but have their 

 roots only on the surface of their bark providing their food for 

 themselves. Such plants are, e. g., Philodendron sj)-, Ficus sp.^ 

 some Orchids, many Mosses and some Ferns, such as the gigan- 

 tic Folypodium quercifoUiim with its oak-leaved scale over the 

 bearded rhizome. 



2, The Loranthus Plant a Parasite. — Now, if you examine 

 the roots of a Loranthus plant, you will find that it penetrates 

 right into the interior part of its host. It must, therefore, be 

 considered as a parasite. 



But how did the Loranthus plant obtain its lofty place on the 

 branch of a tree? Certain birds are fond of its juicy berries, 



*See footnote on page 130. f From Greek epi, upon, and phyton, a plant. 



9* 



