Chilean Cactus Mistletoe (Tristerix aphyllus)

Farellones, Santiago, Chile. Feb 12, 2024

comments (2)

Thibaud Aronson

Lion

If you think those are unusual flowers for a tree cactus, you're right! This is a parasitic plant that is essentially invisible, living inside the cactus itself, and its only its flowers and fruits show on the outside! Posted one month ago, modified one month ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  That's so cool! Posted one month ago

The Chilean Cactus Mistletoe

Tristerix aphyllus is a holoparasitic plant species of the genus Tristerix in the family Loranthaceae. It is endemic to Chile. T. aphyllus is sometimes called the "cactus mistletoe." It should not be confused with the mistletoe cactus, which is an epiphytic cactus, and not a mistletoe.

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Similar species: Santalales

Species identified by Thibaud Aronson