Aussie driver’s encounter with a 'parasitic' Christmas tree leaves him amazed–and you will be too
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A routine drive through a quiet Australian town led one driver to a discovery that was anything but ordinary.
What he thought was just a beautiful sight quickly revealed a hidden side of nature that’s as fascinating as it is alarming. You won’t believe what’s really going on under the surface.
A stunning photograph of a native Australian tree in full bloom has sparked attention. The image showcases a Western Australian (WA) Christmas tree in a dramatic display of golden orange flowers.
Stephen Blakeney, 70, captured the beauty of the tree while driving through the town of Treeton, Western Australia, last 11 December.
He shared that he recognised the tree as a parasite but only learned of its destructive power after researching it later.
'I knew that it was a parasite when I took the photo,' Blakeney explained.
'My grandfather on my mother's side was a very keen botanist, and he actually introduced me to the tree when I was quite young, but I didn't actually know that it was quite so aggressive.'
Blakeney, who often spotted the WA Christmas tree during his travels, admired its striking appearance in the landscape.
'I've passed it over many years and I've driven up and down that road lots of times. I always look out for it at this time of year,' he said.
Known scientifically as nuytsia floribunda, the WA Christmas tree is part of the mistletoe family and blooms each December.
The species, which only grows to a height of about seven metres, has a notorious reputation for being a highly aggressive parasite.
This parasitic tree, also called the Moodja tree, can effectively ‘hunt’ other plants up to 110 metres away, using sharp blades in its root system.
These blades are so formidable they can even draw blood, according to Australian Geographic.
Blakeney described how the roots of the WA Christmas Tree form a collar of tissue around the roots of its prey.
The tree then sends a hydraulically operated blade through the tissue to sever the prey.
'The blades have been known to sever electrical cables and telephone lines in their search for nutrients,' Blakeney noted.
'The vegetation around [the tree in Treeton] has all been cleared anyway, but it still seems to survive.'
The WA Christmas tree’s insatiable appetite can even turn on itself, with the species sometimes attacking its own roots by mistake
‘It doesn't discriminate, any form of plant is potential prey,' Blakeney said.
Found throughout southwestern Australia, the WA Christmas tree is known for its striking golden blooms that appear during summer.
These flowers hold cultural significance to the Noongar people of the region.
The tree’s remarkable ability to thrive despite the harshest conditions makes it a true testament to the hidden uniqueness of Australia's natural world.
Is there an even stranger plant you think deserves the spotlight? Let us know in the comments.
What he thought was just a beautiful sight quickly revealed a hidden side of nature that’s as fascinating as it is alarming. You won’t believe what’s really going on under the surface.
A stunning photograph of a native Australian tree in full bloom has sparked attention. The image showcases a Western Australian (WA) Christmas tree in a dramatic display of golden orange flowers.
Stephen Blakeney, 70, captured the beauty of the tree while driving through the town of Treeton, Western Australia, last 11 December.
Aussie driver captures rare sight of WA Christmas tree. Image source: @blakeney_photography on Instagram
He shared that he recognised the tree as a parasite but only learned of its destructive power after researching it later.
'I knew that it was a parasite when I took the photo,' Blakeney explained.
'My grandfather on my mother's side was a very keen botanist, and he actually introduced me to the tree when I was quite young, but I didn't actually know that it was quite so aggressive.'
Blakeney, who often spotted the WA Christmas tree during his travels, admired its striking appearance in the landscape.
'I've passed it over many years and I've driven up and down that road lots of times. I always look out for it at this time of year,' he said.
Known scientifically as nuytsia floribunda, the WA Christmas tree is part of the mistletoe family and blooms each December.
The species, which only grows to a height of about seven metres, has a notorious reputation for being a highly aggressive parasite.
This parasitic tree, also called the Moodja tree, can effectively ‘hunt’ other plants up to 110 metres away, using sharp blades in its root system.
These blades are so formidable they can even draw blood, according to Australian Geographic.
Blakeney described how the roots of the WA Christmas Tree form a collar of tissue around the roots of its prey.
The tree then sends a hydraulically operated blade through the tissue to sever the prey.
'The blades have been known to sever electrical cables and telephone lines in their search for nutrients,' Blakeney noted.
'The vegetation around [the tree in Treeton] has all been cleared anyway, but it still seems to survive.'
The WA Christmas tree’s insatiable appetite can even turn on itself, with the species sometimes attacking its own roots by mistake
‘It doesn't discriminate, any form of plant is potential prey,' Blakeney said.
Found throughout southwestern Australia, the WA Christmas tree is known for its striking golden blooms that appear during summer.
These flowers hold cultural significance to the Noongar people of the region.
The tree’s remarkable ability to thrive despite the harshest conditions makes it a true testament to the hidden uniqueness of Australia's natural world.
Is there an even stranger plant you think deserves the spotlight? Let us know in the comments.
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