Viscum nudum

Viscum nudum, commonly known as the naked mistletoe, is a fascinating parasitic plant native to various regions. Characterized by its unique ability to derive nutrients from host trees, this species holds significant botanical interest. Exploring its ecological role and potential medicinal properties offers valuable insights into natural plant pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Viscum nudum
  • Family: Santalaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Viscum nudum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Santalales and the family Santalaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Viscum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Santalales WCVP
Family Santalaceae WCVP
Genus Viscum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Viscum nudum, is referred to by several different common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is frequently called 绿茎槲寄生 (lǜ jīng hú jì shēng) or 柄果槲寄生 (bǐng guǒ hú jì shēng). Specifically, in Mainland China, the name used is 绿茎槲寄生 (zh-cn), while in Taiwan, the traditional character version 緑莖槲寄生 (zh-tw) is employed.
Language Common Name Source
zh 绿茎槲寄生 Wikidata
zh-cn 绿茎槲寄生 Wikidata
zh-tw 緑莖槲寄生 Wikidata
zh 柄果槲寄生 Wikidata
zh 绿茎槲寄生 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Viscum nudum, exhibits a specific and localized geographical distribution. Its presence is primarily concentrated within the regional landscapes of China. More specifically, it can be found thriving in the South-Central portion of the country. This limited range suggests that the species relies on the unique environmental conditions found in these particular provinces. Consequently, understanding its habitat in South-Central China is essential for studying its natural ecology.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Viscum nudum, is a parasitic species characterized by its unique morphology. While much of its physiological activity is concentrated in its fleshy leaves and berries, the stem plays a critical role in its survival strategy. The stem serves as the primary connection point through which the plant penetrates the host tree, facilitating the absorption of water and nutrients necessary for its growth.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Viscum nudum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include eriodictyol, oleanolic.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
eriodictyol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oleanolic 1 ★☆☆☆☆