About Amyema mackayensis (Blakely) Danser
This mistletoe, Amyema mackayensis, has opposite flat leaves that each have a clear distinct stem. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, rounded, and can grow up to 6 centimeters long. Its inflorescence takes the form of an umbel made up of two or more triads or tetrads—tetrads are flowering groups with four flowers. Mature flower buds are either terete, meaning long and cylindrical, or angular; buds may be smooth, or have only a small number of scattered hairs. Ecologically, Amyema mackayensis grows along coasts within maritime plant communities. It grows as a mistletoe on mangroves, most commonly on the Grey Mangrove, Avicennia marina. Moss & Kendall have noted there is evidence that this mistletoe accumulates excess salt in its leaves, then sheds these leaves to reduce its overall salt load.
