Home > Herbs > Phoradendron

mistletoe

Phoradendron · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Mistletoe, scientifically known as Phoradendron, is a fascinating hemiparasitic plant found primarily in the Americas. Known for its unique ability to derive nutrients from host trees, it holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Researchers continue to explore its bioactive compounds for potential medicinal applications in treating various inflammatory and cellular conditions.

Family
Santalaceae
Native range
Northern America
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Mistletoe · Leafy Mistletoes
Scientific synonyms
Castrea · Spiciviscum · 2 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Phoradendron

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Spiciviscum
  • Allobium
  • Muérdagos americanos

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Santalales, falling into the family Santalaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Phordeendron.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Santalales
Family Santalaceae
Genus Phoradendron

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across the United States. In the Northwestern U.S.A., its presence is documented in the states of Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon. Moving toward the central part of the country, its range extends into the North-Central U.S.A. region. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Illinois. Finally, its geographical distribution also includes the state of Kansas.

Region Area
Northwestern U.S.A. Colorado
Northwestern U.S.A. Idaho
Northwestern U.S.A. Oregon
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois
North-Central U.S.A. Kansas
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri
North-Central U.S.A. Oklahoma
Northeastern U.S.A. Indiana
Northeastern U.S.A. New Jersey
Northeastern U.S.A. New York

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Phoradendron has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Terpenes.

Chemicals reported in Phoradendron
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Terpenes 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Terpenes

  1. Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening

Activities

Phoradendron has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative.

Activities reported in Phoradendron
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antimicrobial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antimicrobial

  1. Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening

Antioxidant

  1. Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening

Antiproliferative

  1. Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening