Arceuthobium minutissimum | |
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A. minutissimum photographed on Pinus wallichiana in Bhutan | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Santalales |
Family: | Santalaceae |
Genus: | Arceuthobium |
Species: | A. minutissimum
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Binomial name | |
Arceuthobium minutissimum | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Razoumowskia minutissima Tubeuf |
Arceuthobium minutissimum, known as the Indian dwarf mistletoe[2] or Himalayan dwarf mistletoe, is a leafless parasitic plant of Pinus wallichiana. It is considered the smallest known dicotyledonous plant.[3]
Individual shoots grow to a height of 5 millimeters, and up to 1 centimeter with mature fruit. Shoots emerge from both the cortex and needles of the host plant. Flowers are monoecious, and seed dispersal occurs in September.[4]
The species occurs in dry forests of the Himalayan mountains at an approximate altitude of 2500–3500 meters.[4][5] It has been reported in Nepal, India, Bhutan, and Pakistan. A. minutissimum infects the crowns of trees of all ages. It severely impacts the health of host-trees, and causes the loss of needles.[6] Although P. wallichiana is the primary host, it has been recorded to infect Pinus gerardiana in Pakistan. Unconfirmed reports show that it may also infect Abies pindrow and Cedrus deodara.[4]
It has been considered that there is potential for A. minutissimum to become an invasive species in Europe.[6]