Acacia mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum, J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, n.s., 1: 185 (1848))

Family: Santalaceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, n.s., 1: 185 (1848)

Year: 1848

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phoradendron

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. U.S.A. to New Mexico and NW. Mexico

Description

Acacia mistletoe, scientifically known as Phoradendron californicum, is a fascinating parasitic plant belonging to the Santalaceae family. This species was first described in 1848 by Nuttall and recorded in the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

The Acacia mistletoe inhabits the Southwestern United States, stretching through New Mexico and extending into Northwestern Mexico. The plant is well-adapted to arid environments, making it a common sight in desert landscapes.

Phoradendron californicum is predominantly found living on host Acacia plants, from which it derives its nutrients. This relationship is a prime example of parasitism, where the mistletoe penetrates the branches of the host with specialized structures called haustoria. These structures allow the mistletoe to extract water and nutrients necessary for its survival and growth from the host plant.

Interestingly, despite its parasitic nature, the Acacia mistletoe also plays a beneficial role in its ecosystem. It provides food and habitat to a variety of desert-dwelling creatures, including birds and insects. The berries produced by the mistletoe are particularly important, serving as a food source for many bird species during scarce periods.

The unique adaptations and ecological interactions of Phoradendron californicum highlight the intricate balance within desert ecosystems. Its presence underscores the complexity of parasitic relationships and the subtle yet significant roles such plants play in their environments.

Common Names

Eng: acacia mistletoe, desert mistletoe, mesquite mistletoe
En: Acacia mistletoe, Desert mistletoe, Mesquite mistletoe

Synonyms

• Phoradendron californicum f. leucocarpum (Trel. ex Munz & I.M.Johnst.)
• Phoradendron californicum f. argenteum (Trel.)
• Phoradendron californicum var. leucocarpum ((Trel. ex Munz & I.M.Johnst.) Jeps.)
• Phoradendron californicum var. distans (Trel.)
• Phoradendron californicum f. nanum (Trel.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Utah (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by EOL − lonnyholmes (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 31, 2015 by EOL − margier (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2010 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 28, 2006 by EOL − Dorothy Judd (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 21, 2019 by Stevenazzi Fabio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Ana Gil Montoya (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2021 by jennifer skinner (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 24, 2010 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2010 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2021 by Christine1116 Devillet-Klein (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2021 by Gregory Strockbine (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 15, 2002 by EOL − Glenn and Martha Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2015 by EOL − Rebecca Marschall (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2889868)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:550760-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phoradendron californicum Nutt.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Subshrub

Growth