Survey and Documentation of Some Loranthaceae Species in Karnataka, India
Megha M. Hiremath
Department of UG, PG and Research in Botany, Taxonomy and Floristic Laboratory, Karnatak University’s, Karnatak Science College, Dharwad-580001, India.
K. Kotresha
Department of UG, PG and Research in Botany, Taxonomy and Floristic Laboratory, Karnatak University’s, Karnatak Science College, Dharwad-580001, India.
Ningaraj S. Makanur
*
Department of Botany, Mahantaswamy Arts, Science and Commerce College, Haunsbhavi, Haveri District, Karnataka- 581109, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mistletoe constitutes the most important parasitic plant group, which has been considered a damaging agent of many of our fruit-yielding, timber-yielding and other economically important trees. The present study provides a detailed enumeration of 9 species belonging to 5 genera of the Loranthaceae family. All the collected plants were provided with a dichotomous key, colour photographs, and detailed illustrations to facilitate easy identification. Future studies should address the relationship between parasitic plant distribution, their host species and dispersal agents, so that we can safeguard our valuable trees.
Keywords: Angiosperms, diversity, documentation, mistletoe, parasitic plants