Leptomeria acida

Shrub with green red drupe Blackheath

Leptomeria acida, commonly known as the sour currant, is a species of parasitic plant in the family Santalaceae. It is native to Australia, where it is found in a variety of habitats, from eucalyptus woodlands to rainforest margins. Unlike most plants, Leptomeria acida does not photosynthesize to produce its own food. Instead, it derives nutrients and water from its host plants through a specialized organ called a haustorium.

Description

Leptomeria acida is a slender, leafless, and wiry perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. Its stems are reddish-brown and bear small, scale-like structures instead of true leaves. The plant produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers that are followed by small, edible, acid-tasting fruits. These fruits are a reddish color and have been reported to have a sour taste, which is how the plant gets its common name.

Habitat and Distribution

This parasitic plant is widespread across southern Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. It thrives in a range of environments from dry woodlands to moist forest edges, often attaching itself to the roots of a variety of host plants.

Ecology

The survival of Leptomeria acida is intricately linked to its ability to parasitize other plants. It connects to the roots of its hosts via haustoria, through which it extracts water and nutrients. This parasitic interaction does not typically kill the host plant but may weaken it. The fruits of Leptomeria acida are consumed by various species of birds and mammals, which play a role in the dispersal of its seeds.

Culinary Uses

The sour-tasting fruits of Leptomeria acida have been consumed by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. They are eaten fresh or sometimes mixed with water to make a refreshing drink. However, the fruits are not widely used in contemporary cuisine and are more of a novelty or bush food.

Conservation

Currently, there are no major threats to Leptomeria acida that would warrant its inclusion on any conservation lists. Its ability to thrive in a variety of habitats and its wide distribution across Australia help ensure its survival. However, like all native flora, it could be impacted by severe habitat destruction, changes in climate, or the introduction of invasive species that compete for the same host plants.

See Also

• Parasitic plants
• Flora of Australia
• Bushfood