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Dwarf mistletoe (Korthalsella)
Dwarf mistletoe is a genus of flowering plants in the sandalwood family, Santalaceae. It contains about 25 species distributed in Asia, Africa, Australia, and some Pacific Islands. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Dwarf mistletoe
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Attributes of Dwarf mistletoe
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Dwarf mistletoe
Distribution of Dwarf mistletoe
Feedback
Distribution Map of Dwarf mistletoe
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Dwarf mistletoe
Feedback
Dwarf mistletoe is a unique genus of parasitic plants that commonly grow on host trees and shrubs. The genus requires specific care to mimic its natural environment, demanding ample indirect light but not direct sun, moderate temperatures, and high humidity. As parasite plants, they extract water and nutrients from their hosts, meaning traditional soil and watering practices are not applicable. Gardeners may face challenges with securing a suitable host and preventing damage to that host. Seasonally, dwarf mistletoe benefits from stable conditions year-round, avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations. Monitoring for pests like scale insects is necessary, as these plants can be prone to infestations. Environmental sensitivity, particularly to overly dry conditions, is also a concern for dwarf mistletoe's well-being.
How to Water Dwarf mistletoe?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Dwarf mistletoe?
How to Propagate Dwarf mistletoe?
How to Plant Dwarf mistletoe?
Exploring the Dwarf mistletoe Plants
Feedback
5 most common species：
Jointed mistletoe
Jointed mistletoe can be found growing in mountain slopes, valleys, woodland, scrub, and islands. It is parasitic on several plants, including Adinandra millettii and Camellia caudata.
Korthalsella salicornioides
Korthalsella salicornioides is a parasitic plant reminiscent of coral in its appearance, with much-branched, jointed stems that are green to pale yellow. Lacking leaves or roots, korthalsella salicornioides clings to host plants, drawing nutrients directly from them. This curious growth form allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor environments by exploiting the resources of other vegetation.
Kaumahana
Kaumahana is a unique epiphytic plant, meaning it non-parasitically grows upon other plants for physical support. Typically found in tropical and subtropical forest environments, it clings to host tree branches. It stands out with flat, leafless, and jointed green stems that photosynthesize, compensating for the absence of true leaves. This morphology allows kaumahana to thrive high amidst the canopy, adeptly capturing sunlight and humidity.
Dwarf mistletoe
Dwarf mistletoe is a fascinating parasitic plant exhibiting slender, branching stems resembling coral. Its lack of leaves and green color is unusual, as it derives nutrients by attaching to host plants. This growth, often seen hanging from trees in subtropical forests, reflects the plant's adaptation to sourcing water and food from its surroundings rather than the soil.
Korthalsella lindsayi var. clavata
Korthalsella lindsayi var. clavata is a distinct parasitic shrub with a clavate (club-like) growth form. This variety thrives on its host plants, often in forested regions, drawing nutrients for survival. Its slender, segmented stems and reduced leaves reflect adaptations to this parasitic lifestyle. The plant’s unique ability to absorb water and nutrients directly from its host underlines an intricate ecological interaction.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Dwarf mistletoe
Korthalsella
Dwarf mistletoe is a genus of flowering plants in the sandalwood family, Santalaceae. It contains about 25 species distributed in Asia, Africa, Australia, and some Pacific Islands.
Lifespan
Perennial
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Key Facts About Dwarf mistletoe
Feedback
Attributes of Dwarf mistletoe
Leaf type
Evergreen
Scientific Classification of Dwarf mistletoe
Distribution of Dwarf mistletoe
Feedback
Distribution Map of Dwarf mistletoe
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Dwarf mistletoe
Feedback
Dwarf mistletoe is a unique genus of parasitic plants that commonly grow on host trees and shrubs. The genus requires specific care to mimic its natural environment, demanding ample indirect light but not direct sun, moderate temperatures, and high humidity. As parasite plants, they extract water and nutrients from their hosts, meaning traditional soil and watering practices are not applicable. Gardeners may face challenges with securing a suitable host and preventing damage to that host. Seasonally, dwarf mistletoe benefits from stable conditions year-round, avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations. Monitoring for pests like scale insects is necessary, as these plants can be prone to infestations. Environmental sensitivity, particularly to overly dry conditions, is also a concern for dwarf mistletoe's well-being.
How to Water Dwarf mistletoe?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Dwarf mistletoe?
How to Propagate Dwarf mistletoe?
How to Plant Dwarf mistletoe?
Exploring the Dwarf mistletoe Plants
Feedback
5 most common species：
Jointed mistletoe
Jointed mistletoe can be found growing in mountain slopes, valleys, woodland, scrub, and islands. It is parasitic on several plants, including Adinandra millettii and Camellia caudata.
Korthalsella salicornioides
Korthalsella salicornioides is a parasitic plant reminiscent of coral in its appearance, with much-branched, jointed stems that are green to pale yellow. Lacking leaves or roots, korthalsella salicornioides clings to host plants, drawing nutrients directly from them. This curious growth form allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor environments by exploiting the resources of other vegetation.
Kaumahana
Kaumahana is a unique epiphytic plant, meaning it non-parasitically grows upon other plants for physical support. Typically found in tropical and subtropical forest environments, it clings to host tree branches. It stands out with flat, leafless, and jointed green stems that photosynthesize, compensating for the absence of true leaves. This morphology allows kaumahana to thrive high amidst the canopy, adeptly capturing sunlight and humidity.
Dwarf mistletoe
Dwarf mistletoe is a fascinating parasitic plant exhibiting slender, branching stems resembling coral. Its lack of leaves and green color is unusual, as it derives nutrients by attaching to host plants. This growth, often seen hanging from trees in subtropical forests, reflects the plant's adaptation to sourcing water and food from its surroundings rather than the soil.
Show More Species
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
