Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 19/Dec 22:40

WA’s dangerous Christmas Tree

A simple picture of what has been described as one of the “biggest parasites in the world” has showcased a native Australian tree in a “spectacular” bloom of golden orange flowers – highlighting the hidden uniqueness found in the Australian outback. Source: Yahoo Stephen Blakeney, 70, spotted the ‘Western Australian Christmas tree’ while driving through the aptly named town of Treeton, Western Australia, last Wednesday. Speaking to Yahoo News, he said he knew the tree was a parasite but had no idea what an effective killer it was until he looked it up later, after being captivated by the sight of the blooming tree. “I knew that it was a parasite when I took the photo,” he said. “My grandfather on my mother’s side was a very keen botanist, and he actually introduced me to the tree when I was quite young, but I didn’t actually know that it was quite so aggressive.” Blakeney explained the majestic appearance of the WA Christmas Tree, also known as nuytsia floribunda, demanded admiration in the landscape and he would often “look out for it” on his travels. “I’ve passed it over many years, and I’ve driven up and down that road lots of times. I always look out for it at this time of year,” he said. The tree species, part of the mistletoe family, got its name because it blooms every December. It’s also known as Moodja tree, and only grows up to seven metres in height. It can effectively “hunt prey” up to 110 metres away by using “sharp blades” in its root system to pierce other vegetation’s roots. The blades are so sharp they’re capable of drawing blood, according to Australian Geographic. When the root of a WA Christmas Tree meets a root of its prey, it forms a collar of tissue around it before a blade, hydraulically operated, forms inside it and slices the prey into bits. “The blades have been known to sever electrical cables and telephone lines in their search for nutrients,” Blakeney said. “The vegetation around [the tree in Treeton] has all been cleared anyway, but it still seems to survive.” Its appetite can also mislead the tree, with the species known to even attack its own root system by mistake. “It doesn’t discriminate, any form of plant is potential prey,” he said. The trees are found throughout southwest Australia and bloom dramatically in summer with golden flowers that hold cultural significance to Noongar people of the region.