Phoradendron californicum [Desert Mistletoe]

[nfoto]

Rørslett, B. 2013. Phoradendron californicum Nutt. (Viscaceae). Desert mistletoe. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...sert-mistletoe/

 

Phoradendron californicum Nutt.

NO: Ørkenmisteltein

EN: Desert Mistletoe; Mesquite Misteltoe

 

A hemiparasite small bush, endemic to SW USA and parasitising desert trees such as Cercidium. Although the flowers are small they are quite fragrant and plenty of winged pollinators approach them. Birds eat the orange-pink berries and help distribute the plant as the seeds pass their digestive tract unharmed.

 

Plants photographed in Joshua Tree National Park, California USA, 5 March 2012.

 

Image reference: PHOR_CAL_G1203052782_VIS.jpg

Visible light: Nikon D3X, Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 125 mm f/2.5 lens, daylight.

 

Image reference: PHOR_CAL_I1203054456_UV.jpg

Ultraviolet light: Nikon D40X, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5 lebns, Baader U2" (Venus) filter, SB-140 flash.

 

In UV, the small flowers appear as UV-dark contrast to the shiny branches.

 

[Published 24 June 2013]