Viscum rotundifolium explained

Viscum rotundifolium, the red-berry mistletoe, is a variable, wide-ranging and monoecious mistletoe of southern Africa.^[1] It is a hardy, evergreen hemiparasite with a catholic variety of host plants,^[2] including other mistletoes.^[3] It may be found from near sea level to 1,950 m.^[1] Its fleshy, leathery leaves are dark^[2] or pale green and variable in shape, though usually broadly ovate to elliptic.^[4] While its creamy-green flowers are small and inconspicuous, the fruit are a brilliant, shiny orange-red colour when ripe.^[2] It is similar to V. schaeferi Engl. & K.Krause and V. pauciflorum L.f. with which it may be confused.^[1]

External links

• Viscum diversity in southern Africa, iziko museums

Notes and References

1. Web site: Viscum rotundifolium L.f. . African Plant Database . Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques & South African National Biodiversity Institute . 11 February 2013.
2. Book: Trees and Shrubs of the Witwatersrand . 1974 . Witwatersrand University Press . Johannesburg . 0-85494-236-X . 294–295.
3. Web site: R.M. Polhill, D. Wiens . Viscum rotundifolium L.f. . Flora Zambesiaca: volume:9 part:3 (2006) Viscaceae . Kew . 11 February 2013.
4. Web site: Viscum rotundifolium L.f. . Namibian Plants . kyffhauser.co.za . 11 February 2013.