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LORANTHUS - THE MANGO MISTLETOE



By Dr. R Sudarshan

The sunbirds or spider catchers drop the seed on a branch. Drinking the moisture from the air, the seed germinates. It then sends out the roots that slither over the bark, dig through into the stem, and travel like a catheter in the innards of the host to steal the sap of minerals. Loranthus needs no soil. It just doesn't step on the ground at all. Its job is just like dropping a pipe into your stomach to suck out all the food that you store. In Africa, it sucks out Cocoa. In Europe, it drains Chestnut. It may have its own decorative or medicinal uses. And it is a parasite par excellence.

In Padma Farms, Loranthus thrives on mango trees. Indistinguishable in form of the host but deep devouring. Only when the beautiful pink flowers blossom, do you know who is living off your mango trees and hoarding all the sunlight. By the time you find out, the host and parasite are inseparably intertwined and married. 

Who thrives and who shrivels is a game of nature. But surely, both gain and both suffer in the end.

For any relevant query, message 81051 12990.

* * *

Padma Farms (Gaddige Road), Farmer's House, 1A, 13th Cross, Kalidasa Road, VV Mohalla, Mysore.

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Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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