Viscum Capense
Contents
Description
Viscum Capense is a parasitic plant that is commonly found in South Africa. It belongs to the family Santalaceae and is commonly known as Cape Mistletoe. The plant is known for its unique ability to grow on other trees and shrubs by penetrating their bark with its roots and extracting nutrients from the host plant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Viscum |
Appearance
The Viscum Capense plant has small, oval-shaped leaves that are approximately 1 cm in length. The leaves are a pale green color and are arranged opposite each other on the stem. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The fruit is a small, white berry that is approximately 5 mm in diameter.
Care Guide
Viscum Capense is a parasitic plant that does not require any care as it obtains nutrients from its host plant. However, if you wish to grow this plant in your garden, it is important to ensure that it has access to a suitable host plant. Suitable host plants include apple trees, pear trees, and certain types of shrubs. The plant prefers partial to full sun and requires a well-draining soil. It is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered as this can lead to root rot. Viscum Capense is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Viscum Capense is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases as it obtains its nutrients from its host plant. However, in some cases, the plant may be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or rust. These diseases can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Viscum Capense is native to South Africa and is commonly found in forests and woodlands. The plant is a hemiparasite and relies on other trees and shrubs for its survival. It is commonly found growing on apple trees, pear trees, and certain types of shrubs.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Viscum Capense an invasive species?
A: No, Viscum Capense is not considered an invasive species as it is native to South Africa.
Q: Can Viscum Capense be grown indoors?
A: No, Viscum Capense is a parasitic plant and requires a host plant to survive.
Q: Is Viscum Capense toxic to humans or animals?
A: No, Viscum Capense is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: What is the lifespan of Viscum Capense?
A: The lifespan of Viscum Capense is not well-known as it is a parasitic plant that relies on its host plant for survival.
Related Plants
- Viscum album
- Viscum articulatum
- Viscum ovalifolium
- Viscum triflorum
References
- Viscum Capense | PlantZAfrica. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2021, from http://pza.sanbi.org/viscum-capense
- Viscum Capense (Cape Mistletoe) | World of Flowering Plants. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2021, from https://worldoffloweringplants.com/viscum-capense-cape-mistletoe/
