Status: Native
Synonyms:
None
Phoradendron californicum is a drooping mistletoe found on mesquite. The leaves are reduced to scalelike bracts and
are mostly connate (pairs are joined). Phoradendron californicum is a lower elevation mistletoe that is common along I-10 between Texas Canyon and Benson, Arizona. It comes as far east as Road Forks, New Mexico, and into
Duncan, Arizona, both of which are only a few miles from the border of the Gila National Forest. However, as of yet, Phoradendron californicum
has not been found in the Gila National Forest.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Phoradendron californicum, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, along I-10 near Texas Canyon, AZ, June 25, 2009
Phoradendron californicum, closeup of connate and bractlike leaves, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, along I-10 near Texas Canyon, AZ, June 25, 2009
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