mistletoe cactus
Quick Summary
The mistletoe cactus refers to plants belonging to the genus Rhipsalis. These are epiphytic cacti, meaning they typically grow on trees, though some can be found on rocks or the ground. Native to tropical and subtropical America, one species, Rhipsalis baccifera, is also found in Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka, a distribution that has intrigued scientists.12
Rhipsalis species have succulent stems that can be cylindrical, angular, or flattened, and they produce small flowers followed by fleshy berries. Some species are cultivated for their unique appearance and flowers, but several are listed as endangered species. Unlike true mistletoes, which are parasitic plants, mistletoe cacti are not parasitic.23
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