Viscum cruciatum - parasite on olive trees

all the vivid green clusters on this tree are Viscum, they are parasitic on the olive tree. in the Valley of the Cross in the center of Jerusalem there are many olive and almond trees that the Viscum infects, and slowly kills.

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

How does this killing process work, Yael? Blocking light? Taking nutrients directly from the tree? Posted 3 years ago
1. Yael Orgad
  
  Lion
  
  Taking nutrients from the tree's branches. it's a relative of the European Mistletoe (Viscum album). if there is only one parasite on a tree, it's fine. but in this picture you can see tens of Viscums on one poor tree, they take too much and kill their host. Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Alright, thanks so much for explaining. Posted 3 years ago

The Red-berry mistletoe

Viscum cruciatum is a species of mistletoe in the family Santalaceae. The plant has small leaves. The flowers have four petals. The berries are red containing 1 seed. It ranges through South West Spain, Southern Portugal, North Africa, Australia and Asia. All parts of the plants are poisonous if eaten.

Info 7 0

Similar species: Santalales

Species identified by Yael Orgad