Bertero’s Mistletoe: The Mysterious Parasitic Plant of Puerto Rico
If you’ve ever spotted mysterious clumps of greenery growing high up in the branches of trees in Puerto Rico, you might have encountered Bertero’s mistletoe (Phoradendron dichotomum). This fascinating native plant is quite different from the holiday mistletoe you might be familiar with – and it’s definitely not something you can add to your garden in the traditional sense!
What Exactly Is Bertero’s Mistletoe?
Bertero’s mistletoe is a perennial parasitic shrub that’s native to Puerto Rico. Unlike the plants in your garden that grow in soil, this quirky species lives its entire life attached to the branches of host trees. It’s what botanists call an obligate parasite, which means it absolutely must have a host tree to survive – it can’t make it on its own.
You might also see this plant referenced by its scientific synonyms, including Phoradendron berterianum or Viscum dichotomum, but Phoradendron dichotomum is the currently accepted name.
Where You’ll Find This Unique Native
Bertero’s mistletoe is found exclusively in Puerto Rico, making it a true endemic species. This means it evolved specifically in this tropical paradise and calls nowhere else home. You’ll spot it growing as dense, rounded clumps in the canopies of various host trees throughout the island.
What Does It Look Like?
This mistletoe forms distinctive clusters that can grow several feet across. It has simple, opposite leaves and produces small, inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers. The overall appearance is of a dense, somewhat spherical mass of foliage that seems to be growing right out of tree branches – which is exactly what it’s doing!
Why You Can’t (And Shouldn’t Try to) Grow It
Here’s where Bertero’s mistletoe gets really interesting from a gardener’s perspective: you simply cannot cultivate this plant in your garden. As a parasitic species, it requires living host trees to tap into for water and nutrients. Even if you wanted to establish it (which isn’t recommended), it spreads naturally through bird droppings when birds eat the mistletoe berries and deposit the seeds on new host branches.
Its Role in Puerto Rico’s Ecosystem
While you can’t plant Bertero’s mistletoe, it does play important ecological roles:
- Provides nectar for small insects and pollinators
- Produces berries that feed birds, which then help spread the plant
- Creates habitat complexity in forest canopies
- Represents part of Puerto Rico’s unique endemic flora
What This Means for Gardeners
If you’re gardening in Puerto Rico’s tropical climate (USDA zones 10-11), you might notice Bertero’s mistletoe appearing naturally on trees in or near your property. This is completely normal and part of the natural ecosystem. While heavy infestations can stress host trees, light to moderate amounts are typically not harmful and represent the natural biodiversity of the region.
Rather than trying to cultivate parasitic species like Bertero’s mistletoe, focus your native gardening efforts on Puerto Rico’s incredible array of flowering shrubs, native palms, and other endemic plants that will thrive in traditional garden settings while supporting local wildlife.
The Bottom Line
Bertero’s mistletoe is a fascinating example of Puerto Rico’s unique plant life, but it’s definitely a look but don’t plant species. Appreciate it as part of the island’s natural heritage, and if you’re interested in supporting native biodiversity, choose from the many other beautiful Puerto Rican natives that will flourish in your garden beds and containers instead!
