Viscum capense Typical thicket IMG 6405 scaled e1587188724503
Viscum capense Typical thicket IMG 6405 scaled e1587188724503

Common names: Cape mistletoe (English); voëlent, vogelstront (Afrikaans). 
Botanical name: Viscum capense

Viscum capense, commonly known as Cape mistletoe, is a dioecious stem parasite that is indigenous to South Africa. It has jointed stems and vestigial leaves in the form of small scales around the stem nodes. The plant produces tiny yellowish-green flowers that produce translucent pale berries. The fruit is dispersed by birds. The plant is poisonous but is nonetheless used in traditional African medicine, the plant being boiled to make a tea that is used to soothe asthma.

Uses & Benefits: medicine


Nature & Cultivation

Family: Santalaceae
Type: parasitic
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Flower colour: yellow
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Use as Medicine

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