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Description
Exocarpos Bidwillii, also known as the Queensland Christmas Tree, is a parasitic plant species that belongs to the Santalaceae family. It is native to Australia and can be found in the eastern and southeastern regions of the country. The plant is known for its bright red, fleshy, and berry-like fruits that appear around Christmas time, hence the name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Exocarpos |
Appearance
Exocarpos Bidwillii is a small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are small, scale-like, and greenish-yellow in color. The flowers are tiny and green, and they bloom from November to January. The fruits are bright red, fleshy, and berry-like, measuring around 1 cm in diameter. They appear in clusters and are edible but not commonly consumed.
Care Guide
To care for Exocarpos Bidwillii, it is important to provide it with regular watering and fertilization. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It also requires partial to full sunlight exposure and can tolerate hardiness zones 8-11. However, it is important to note that this plant is parasitic and relies on a host plant for its nutrients. Therefore, it is important to plant it near a suitable host plant for optimal growth.
Common Pests & Diseases
Exocarpos Bidwillii is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Additionally, it may attract scale insects, which can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Exocarpos Bidwillii is native to Australia and can be found in the eastern and southeastern regions of the country. It typically grows in open forests, woodlands, and heathlands, and requires a host plant for optimal growth.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I eat the fruits of Exocarpos Bidwillii?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible, but they are not commonly consumed.
Q: Is Exocarpos Bidwillii a parasitic plant?
A: Yes, it is a parasitic plant that relies on a host plant for its nutrients.
Q: What is the best soil type for Exocarpos Bidwillii?
A: Exocarpos Bidwillii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Exocarpos Bidwillii?
A: Exocarpos Bidwillii can tolerate hardiness zones 8-11.
Related Plants
- Exocarpos Cupressiformis
- Exocarpos strictus
- Exocarpos syrticola
References
- “Exocarpos Bidwillii.” PlantNet. Accessed 19 October 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Exocarpos~bidwillii
- “Exocarpos Bidwillii.” Australian Native Plants Society. Accessed 19 October 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/e-bid.html
- “Exocarpos Bidwillii.” Florabank. Accessed 19 October 2021. https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Exocarpos_bidwillii.htm
