Viscum

plant genus

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Viscum is a genus of semiparasitic shrubs belonging to the mistletoe family, Viscaceae, which is sometimes considered a subfamily of Santalaceae. These plants are primarily found in tropical regions and grow on the branches of various tree species.1

Key characteristics of Viscum plants include:
* Leaves: Typically arranged in pairs, opposite each other on the branch, with parallel veins. Some species have scale-like leaves.1
* Flowers: Unisexual and tiny.1
* Fruit: A one-seeded berry with a sticky coating on the seed.1

Well-known examples include the European mistletoe (Viscum album). The genus name Viscum also refers to birdlime, a sticky substance made from the berries of the European mistletoe.12

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mistletoe
…well-known members in the genera Viscum, Phoradendron, and Arceuthobium. Most mistletoes are able to parasitize a variety of hosts, and some species even parasitize other mistletoes, which in turn are parasitic on a host. They are usually evergreen and are easy to locate and harvest after their deciduous hosts have…
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…well-known members in the genera Viscum, Phoradendron, and Arceuthobium. Most mistletoes are able to parasitize a variety of hosts, and some species even parasitize other mistletoes, which in turn are parasitic on a host. They are usually evergreen and are easy to locate and harvest after their deciduous hosts have…
Read More