Mistletoe
Phoradendron macrophyllum
(P. tomentosum macrophyllum)
Atlides halesus
Illustration based on specimens found at Catalina State Park, Pima Co., Arizona. 27 March 1994.
PARASITIC SHRUB: Grows from the branches of mostly the larger deciduous
trees such as cottonwood, ash, walnut, and hackberry. Draws water, minerals,
and nitrogen nutrients from the host, but carries on its own photosynthesis.
There has been a great variety of names applied to these plants and for sure
the taxonomy is still being sorted out by specialists and others.
LEAVES: Thick, leathery, velvety leaves are typically whorled; three to
a node.
FRUIT: White berries occur in terminal spikes.
FLOWERS: small and inconspicuous but fragrant.
UNARMED.
The larva of a weevil (Curculionidae) may be found boring into the fleshy stems. The adult weevil is black with numerous fine white hairs. Hollowed out mistletoe branches often die or break off.