Presented in Association with the Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Santalaceae (Sandalwood & Mistletoe Family)
The Santalaceae formerly were represented by one species in the Gila National Forest, Comandra umbellata subsp. pallida. Comandra umbellata subsp. pallida is a greenish gray plant with white to green flowers. More recently, the Viscaceae (Mistletoe Family) has been grouped into the Santalaceae. The mistletoes are green parasitic plants found growing on trees. Each species of mistletoe has a particular tree or group of trees which is its preferred host. Many can be identified simply by identifying the host tree. The modified roots of the parasite, called "haustoria", penetrate the host tissue to obtain water and nutrients. Although the mistletoes contain chlorophyll, they have much less than their hosts. Phoradendron californicum has been seen as far east as Road Forks in New Mexico along the I-10 corridor. It is very easily seen along I-10 between Texas Canyon and Benson, AZ. However, it has not yet been noted within the Gila National Forest.