Psittacanthus
# Psittacanthus

Psittacanthus, also parrot-flower, is a plant genus in the family Loranthaceae. It is a type of mistletoe native from central Mexico southwards to Central America and parts of South America.

It differs from most other Loranthaceae genera by its large flowers and bulky haustorial connections to its host, and by its large fruits. Its flowers frequently "light up the host tree in brilliant hues of red or red and yellow".

## Life cycle

From inoculation of a branch with the seed to production of new seed on the plant requires about five years. Psittacanthus is dispersed by birds feeding on fruits and defecating on branches. Once the mistletoe is established, it flowers yearly. A five-year study of Psittacanthus calyculatus on Pinus douglasiana found that only five months after the sticky seed has inoculated the host tree, are the first true leaves produced. In the May of the fourth year after infection, the shoots start to produce flower bud full flowering and pollination occurring in November and December. (Hummingbirds and passerines are thought to be the pollinators.) Fruit maturation takes about a year and occurs from November to February of the fifth year. The long life cycle means that infestations may be relatively easily controlled when trees are to be harvested for forestry.

## Etymology

Psittacanthos comes from the Greek psittakos (parrot), and the Greek anthos (flower), possibly chosen, according to Don, because of the bright colours.

