Viscaceae

Genera : 7 -8 Species: 350

Genus directories: Arceuthobium Phoradendron Viscum sp

Distribution: Cosmopolitan, but well developed in the tropics.

Economic Uses: As the source of Christmas mistletoe, important economically during the holiday season and important in Celtic and Druidian rituals in theEuropean past.

Defining Features of Interest: This family is parasitic, yet photosynthetic and green. It attaches to the branches of host trees. In the past, it was classified as a subfamily of the Loranthaceae, another parasitic family that is very similar. Studies of the embryo have revealed differences which define the family as distinct.

Fossil Evidence: No known fossil record.