Rhipsalis baccifera, commonly known as the mistletoe cactus, is an epiphytic cactus which originates in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Florida. It is also found throughout the tropics of Africa and into Sri Lanka. This is the only cactus species naturally occurring outside the Americas. One hypothesis is that it was introduced to the Old World by migratory birds, long enough ago for the Old World populations to be regarded as distinct subspecies. An alternative hypothesis holds that the species initially crossed the Atlantic Ocean on European ships trading between South America and Africa, after which birds may have spread it more widely.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Mistletoe Cactus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Rhipsalis teres
- Rhipsalis floccosa
- Rhipsalis lindbergiana
- Rhipsalis grandiflora
- Lepismium lumbricoides
- Rhipsalis cereuscula
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Caryophyllales
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Genus
- Rhipsalis
- Species
- Rhipsalis baccifera
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