Amyema is a genus of semi-parasitic shrubs (mistletoes) which occur in Malesia and Australia.

Etymology

Amyema derives from the Greek: a (negative), and myeo (I initiate), referring to the genus being previously unrecognised.

Description

Hamilton & Barlow describe the haustorial structures of most Australian Amyemas as being ball-like, with some exceptions.

Species

There are approximately 90 species including the following:

Faunal associations

The mistletoebird is known to consume the fruit of Amyema quandang as well as other mistletoe species from which its name is derived. Larvae of the butterfly genus Delias often use various Amyema species as larval food plants. In doing so, the adults acquire a taste that is unpalatable to predators.

Uses

The fruit of Amyema species is high in protein, lipids, and carbohydrates, and was eaten by the Ngunnawal people.