Evidence for unusual choice of host and haustoria by Dendrophthoe falcata (L.f) Ettingsh,a leafy mistletoe

We have noticed Annona squamosa and Psidium guajava trees exhibiting heavy infection from the leafy mistletoe, Dendrophthoe falcata. The mistletoe has skipped its infection on other more common hosts, viz. Mangifera indica and Achras sapota growing in the close proximities to the infected hosts. The haustoria on each of the infected hosts were distinct. On A. squamosa, they occur as solitary unions while on P. guajava they exhibit a network of epicortical roots. The article illustrates these observations and discusses the possible explanation to such evidences.