Loranthaceae

Loranthaceae is a family of flowering plants known as mistletoes. It belongs to the order Santalales and comprises about 75 genera and around 1000 species. Members are primarily hemi-parasitic evergreen shrubs or small trees that attach to the branches of host plants via specialized structures called haustoria; they photosynthesize but obtain water and many nutrients from their hosts.

Leaves and flowers: Leaves are variable; many taxa retain leaves, while some are leafless or have reduced leaves. The inflorescences can be showy or inconspicuous, with flowers often adapted to bird or insect pollination. Fruits are typically fleshy berries or drupes that are dispersed by birds, which also facilitate seed deposition on suitable hosts.

Ecology and distribution: Loranthaceae is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, with many species in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas; a few extend into temperate zones. Species vary in host range from generalists to highly host-specific; through their vascular connections they can affect host growth and survival but also provide nectar, fruit, and shelter for other organisms.

Taxonomy and genera: The family includes numerous genera; representative or historically recognized genera include Loranthus, Taxillus, Dendrophthoe, and Scurrula. Taxonomic configurations vary; some classifications separate mistletoes into Loranthaceae and Viscaceae, while others treat mistletoes within a broader Santalaceae.

Economic and conservation notes: Some Loranthaceae species are cultivated as ornamentals in gardens, while others are considered pests of timber and fruit crops. Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten certain species, though mistletoes can play important roles in ecosystems by supporting avian dispersers and pollinators.