Buckleya Distichophylla

Buckleya Distichophylla, belongs to the family of sandalwood plants (Santalaceae). This summer green plant is native to the eastern regions of North America and is particularly characterized by a special form of survival.

Taxonomy and morphology

Buckleya Distichophylla was first described taxonomically in the 19th century and is named after the American botanist Samuel Botsford Buckley. This plant is characterized by its shrub -like growth and can reach heights of up to 5 meters. The leaves of Buckleya are arranged and have an unusual linear shape that is reminiscent of needles. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, while the fruits are small red berries that grow into dense tufts.

Hemiparasitarian way of life

Buckleya Distichophylla is a hemiparasite. This means that the plant contains nutrients, among other things, by parasitizing other types. Nutrients are deprived of the parasitic plants via so -called frontories. In addition, Buckleya Distichophylla is also able to do its own photosynthesis.

Ecology and habitat

Buckleya Distichophylla prefers moist, well -permeable soils and can be found in mountain regions, on forest edges and in damp gorges. This plant is widespread in the eastern United States and thrives best in moderate to subtropical climate zones. It is very rare.

Ecophysiology and reproduction

The reproduction of Buckleya Distichophylla is mainly through seeds contained in the red berries. These berries are eaten by birds that spread the seeds, while the plant can also be increased vegetatively by rhizomes. The flowers of Buckleya are inconspicuous and mainly attract polligating insects.