Phoradendron juniperinum, Juniper Mistletoe
Trail 135, Tierra Blanca Road, Black Range
April 18, 2020
Phoradendron juniperinum, Juniper Mistletoe, was growing in a number of the junipers at the start of the trail. This species is one of the most common mistletoe species in this area. Part of its success is due to that fact that it has several different types of pollinators, from those which crawl like ants and beetles to those which fly, like flies. Distribution of the seeds is generally performed by birds. Unlike the dwarf mistletoe species, the Juniper Mistletoe uses its own photosynthesis to produce most of its food. It does, however, rely on its host for water and some minerals.
