About Psittacanthus schiedeanus (Cham. & Schltdl.) G.Don
Psittacanthus schiedeanus is a hemiparasitic plant that grows 1–2 meters (3–7 feet) in size. It has quadrangular stems that are flattened at the nodes, and a large haustorium. Its bluish-green leaves are asymmetric, measuring roughly 20 centimeters (8 inches) long and 8 centimeters (3 inches) wide, with stout petioles and pinnate venation. This species produces terminal inflorescences, and its fruit is a berry. Its most notable characteristic is its seeds, which can have up to twelve cotyledons. This is the highest number of cotyledons recorded for any dicot; almost all dicots have only two cotyledons, which is the trait that gives the dicot class its name. In the ecology of this species, birds play an important role in its life cycle. Birds pollinate Psittacanthus schiedeanus when they feed on its nectar, and disperse its seeds when they feed on its fruit.
