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Description
Arceuthobium Campylopodum, commonly known as the Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe, is a parasitic plant that grows on various species of pine trees. This plant is native to North America and is known to cause significant damage to its host trees. It is a hemiparasitic plant, which means that it can produce its own food through photosynthesis but relies on its host tree for water and minerals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Arceuthobium |
Appearance
The Arceuthobium Campylopodum plant has a unique appearance that makes it easy to identify. It has a clump-like growth habit, with multiple stems arising from a single point on the host tree. The stems are green and have small, scale-like leaves that are reduced to small, triangular structures. The plant produces flowers that are yellowish-green in color and are held in tight clusters at the end of the stems. The plant also produces small, red berries that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Arceuthobium Campylopodum is a parasitic plant and does not require care like other plants. However, if you are concerned about the health of the host tree, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the damage caused by this plant. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Since this plant is parasitic, it does not require water. However, providing water to the host tree can help it recover from the damage caused by the mistletoe.
- Fertilization: Fertilizing the host tree can help it recover from the damage caused by the mistletoe.
- Soil: This plant does not require soil as it grows directly on the host tree.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade and does not require direct sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is found in the western United States and Canada, primarily in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest.
Common Pests & Diseases
Arceuthobium Campylopodum is not known to have any significant pests or diseases. However, since it is a parasitic plant, it can cause significant damage to its host tree if left unchecked. The damage caused by the mistletoe can weaken the host tree and make it more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
Habitat
Arceuthobium Campylopodum is found in the western United States and Canada, primarily in the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest. It grows on various species of pine trees, including lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and whitebark pine. The plant prefers higher elevations and is often found in subalpine and alpine zones.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Arceuthobium Campylopodum harmful to humans?
A: No, this plant is not harmful to humans.
Q: Can Arceuthobium Campylopodum be removed from a tree?
A: Yes, the plant can be removed from the tree by cutting it off at the base of the stem. However, removing the plant will not reverse the damage it has caused to the host tree.
Q: Can Arceuthobium Campylopodum kill a tree?
A: Yes, if left unchecked, this plant can cause significant damage to the host tree and eventually kill it.
Q: How does Arceuthobium Campylopodum reproduce?
A: The plant reproduces through seeds that are contained in the red berries it produces.
Related Plants
- Arceuthobium americanum (American Dwarf Mistletoe)
- Arceuthobium douglasii (Douglas-fir Dwarf Mistletoe)
- Arceuthobium laricis (Larch Dwarf Mistletoe)
- Arceuthobium oxycedri (Western Juniper Dwarf Mistletoe)
References
- USDA Forest Service. (n.d.). Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/parasite/arcxyl/all.html
- USDA NRCS National Plant Data Team. (2019). Arceuthobium campylopodum. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ARCA6
- Wikipedia. (2021). Arceuthobium campylopodum. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arceuthobium_campylopodum
