Status:
valid
Authors:
Wall. ex DC.
Source:
tro
Year:
1830
Citation Micro:
Prodr. 4: 278 (1830)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001074273
Common Names
- Viscum ovalifolium
- Oval-leaved Mistletoe
- Oval-leaved Mistletoe
Description
Viscum ovalifolium (also called Oval-leaved Mistletoe, among many other common names) is a species of mistletoe in the Santalaceae family. It is a semi-parasitic shrub that is native to Africa, and is found in dry savannas and woodlands. It has oval-shaped leaves that are 3-6 cm long, and its flowers are yellowish-green and fragrant.
Uses & Benefits
Viscum ovalifolium is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak. The leaves of this plant are used to make tea, which is believed to have several health benefits.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Viscum ovalifolium is a small, greenish-white, 5-petalled flower with yellow anthers. The seed is a small, black, ovoid-shaped drupe. The seedlings are slender and have a single, oval-shaped cotyledon.
Cultivation and Propagation
Viscum ovalifolium is a small, evergreen shrub native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It is easy to propagate from cuttings or from seed. Cuttings should be taken in early spring and placed in a light, well-drained soil mix. Seeds should be sown in late spring or early summer in a light, well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination occurs. Once established, Viscum ovalifolium is drought tolerant and does not require much maintenance.
Where to Find Viscum ovalifolium
Viscum ovalifolium is native to India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It is found in moist deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and scrub jungles.
Species in the Viscum genus
Viscum wrayi,
Viscum wightianum,
Viscum whitei,
Viscum wallichianum,
Viscum vohimavoense,
Viscum tieghemii,
Viscum subracemosum,
Viscum stenocarpum,
Viscum tuberculatum,
Viscum tsiafajavonense,
Viscum tsaratananense,
Viscum trilobatum,
Viscum triflorum,
Viscum album,
Viscum acaciae,
Viscum longipetiolatum,
Viscum malurianum,
Viscum grossum,
Viscum grandicaule,
Viscum itrafanaombense,
Viscum katikianum,
Viscum junodii,
Viscum indosinense,
Viscum heyneanum,
Viscum rotundifolium,
Viscum roncartii,
Viscum ramosissimum,
Viscum scurruloideum,
Viscum semialatum,
Viscum orbiculatum,
Viscum myriophlebium,
Viscum multipedunculatum,
Viscum multiflorum,
Viscum apiculatum,
Viscum angulatum,
Viscum ambongoense,
Viscum capitellatum,
Viscum birmanicum,
Viscum bancroftii,
Viscum exile,
Viscum dryophilum,
Viscum fastigiatum,
Viscum mysorense,
Viscum congolense,
Viscum combreticola,
Viscum coloratum,
Viscum ceibarum,
Viscum decurrens,
Viscum cylindricum,
Viscum cruciatum,
Species in the Santalaceae family
Acanthosyris annonagustata,
Acanthosyris asipapote,
Acanthosyris falcata,
Acanthosyris glabrata,
Acanthosyris paulo-alvinii,
Acanthosyris spinescens,
Amphorogyne celastroides,
Amphorogyne spicata,
Amphorogyne staufferi,
Anthobolus erythrocaulis,
Anthobolus filifolius,
Anthobolus foveolatus,
Anthobolus leptomeroides,
Antidaphne amazonensis,
Antidaphne andina,
Antidaphne antidaphneoides,
Antidaphne glaziovii,
Antidaphne hondurensis,
Antidaphne punctulata,
Antidaphne schottii,
Antidaphne viscoidea,
Antidaphne wrightii,
Arceuthobium abietinum,
Arceuthobium abietis-religiosae,
Arceuthobium americanum,
Arceuthobium apachecum,
Arceuthobium azoricum,
Arceuthobium bicarinatum,
Arceuthobium blumeri,
Arceuthobium californicum,
Arceuthobium campylopodum,
Arceuthobium chinense,
Arceuthobium cyanocarpum,
Arceuthobium divaricatum,
Arceuthobium douglasii,
Arceuthobium gillii,
Arceuthobium globosum,
Arceuthobium guatemalense,
Arceuthobium hondurense,
Arceuthobium juniperi-procerae,
Arceuthobium littorum,
Arceuthobium microcarpum,
Arceuthobium minutissimum,
Arceuthobium monticola,
Arceuthobium nigrum,
Arceuthobium occidentale,
Arceuthobium oxycedri,
Arceuthobium pendens,
Arceuthobium pini,
Arceuthobium pusillum,