SafePlants

Antidaphne: A Genus of Parasitic Plants

The genus Antidaphne comprises a group of fascinating plants, primarily known for their parasitic lifestyle.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the genus Antidaphne has spines.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Antidaphne Poepp. &amp Endl.
• Family: Santalaceae (though some classifications place it in Eremolepidaceae)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicots)
• Accepted Species: The Plant List recognizes 9 accepted species names out of 12 species rank names.
• Synonyms: For Antidaphne punctulata, synonyms include Eremolepis punctulata and Lepidoceras punctulatum.

Distribution and Habitat

• Antidaphne species are found in various regions, including Venezuela (Aragua, Barinas, Bolivar, Delta Amacuro, Distrito Federal, Merida, Miranda, Tachira, Yaracuy), Peru, and Costa Rica (Monteverde).
• Antidaphne andina is found in the yungas region of the Andes, at elevations of 3000-3500 meters.

Ecological Role

• Antidaphne species are parasitic, growing on tree branches.
• They obtain nutrients and water from their host plants via haustoria, which are anatomically complex, more so than in other parasitic families like Santalaceae and Viscaceae.

Morphological Characteristics

• Antidaphne can be a shrub and perennial.
• The genus has spines similar to those of Arceuthobium.

Quirky Facts

• One species, Antidaphne wrightii, is known as Wright's catkin mistletoe.
• The common name for Antidaphne punctulata in some regions is "Injerto del mao macho" (Spanish). Another common name is "Quintral del Mao".

Further Information

• Information about Antidaphne can be found in the Santalales of North America Update database (version 2011).
• Additional resources include The Plant List, Encyclopedia of Life, and Discover Life.
• Research articles are available on ResearchGate.