WA Christmas Tree or Nuytsia floribunda is a true mistletoe. It is a root parasite that does not grow directly on the host plant. It can grow to 10 meters in height.
This highly adaptable plant is able to survive in paddocks where all native vegetation has been removed and replaced exclusively by introduced grasses. Also despite its spectacular flowers and ornamental desirability for garden use, it will hunt down the roots of most plants within a 50 meter radius and unless they can quickly develop alternative roots, will die within a few years. Nuytsia floribunda is difficult to permanently remove, as they will rapidly re-grow their trunk if knocked over, providing the root system is not too badly damaged.
The WA Christmas Tree tends to flower over the Christmas period, but most young or small plants will not flower at all unless there has been a bushfire, when most will bloom prolifically.
While they will not make a good addition to the home garden, they are a visual pleasure in the bush over the Christmas period.
I believe that this is one of Western Australia’s most beautiful native trees.
J.I.Photos 