Mistletoe
I was fascinated to find this Mistletoe (Amyema sp.) seed on this dead limb of a River Red Gum. Clearly the Mistletoebird who excreted it had no thought for the seed's chance of survival! You can see a tendril that has emerged from the seed, seeking to take root in the limb, which (being live) it would normally penetrate with ease. However, the hard surface of this dead branch has been impossible to penetrate and the tendril is being deflected along the branch. Sadly this is one Mistletoe that won't survive.
Mistletoe
I was fascinated to find this Mistletoe (Amyema sp.) seed on this dead limb of a River Red Gum. Clearly the Mistletoebird who excreted it had no thought for the seed's chance of survival! You can see a tendril that has emerged from the seed, seeking to take root in the limb, which (being live) it would normally penetrate with ease. However, the hard surface of this dead branch has been impossible to penetrate and the tendril is being deflected along the branch. Sadly this is one Mistletoe that won't survive.