Specimen
Habitat
MP-0012 / 0024 â Lauraceae
Cassytha filiformis L.
Sunazuru (JP)
A leafless, thread-like vine that parasitises coastal shrubs yet still photosynthesises.
Distribution
Pantropical coasts; in Japan on subtropical and warm-temperate coasts, mainly in the Ryukyu Archipelago.
Habitat
Sandy beaches, coastal scrub and rocky shore, over host shrubs and grasses.
Morphology
A leafless, twining parasitic vine with thread-like green to orange stems. It attaches to its hosts by haustoria (suckers) that penetrate the host tissue. Small whitish flowers form short spikes; the fruit is a small globose drupe.
Botanical notes
The only genus of the laurel family (Lauraceae) with a parasitic habit. Although it contains chlorophyll and photosynthesises, it depends on its hosts for water and nutrients. The dense mat of stems is a conspicuous feature of beach vegetation.
References
Taxonomy and distribution follow Plants of the World Online (Kew), YList (Yonekura & Kajita) and regional floras; CITES Species+ for trade status. Descriptions are provisional and are revised as specimens are verified.