Erianthemum dregei (Eckl. & Zeyh.) van Tiegh.

Erianthemum dregei is a species of parasitic plant in the family Loranthaceae, and is commonly known as the hairy mistletoe or wood flower.^[1]

Distribution and habitat

These plants are native to Africa and are parasitic on a large number of tree species in higher rainfall areas^[2] from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, through KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini and Mpumalanga,^[1] to East Africa, as far as northern Ethiopia.^[3] They are also found in southern Angola.^[3]

Description

Stem of E. dregei growing out of the branch of Croton sylvaticus

Flowers of E. dregei

A branched parasitic shrub with spreading or pendent stems,^[2][3] forming clumps of up to 2m x 1.5m.^[1] The leaves are leathery and hairless, usually alternate (sometimes opposite^[2]), with conspicuous side veins.^[1] The growing points are velvety brown.^[1] The flowers are massed in small clusters and are densely hairy,^[1] pale yellowish-green and sometimes flushed orange to pink.^[2] The fruit is an orange to bright red berry, 10–15 mm in size.^[3] Erianthemum dregei shows great variation across its range.^[3]

Human uses

Erianthemum dregei is used in African traditional medicine to treat stomach complaints in children and cattle.^[1]

Ecological significance

The flowers and fruit attract birds.^[1] The leaves are eaten by the larvae of Mylothris agathina.^[4]

References