Loranthaceae

9.9

A family of plants often shrubs or small trees that live on other trees and take water from them

noun
/lɔːˈrænθəˌsiː/

Specialized

: Loranthaceae

Many species in the Loranthaceae family derive nutrients from their host trees through specialized structures called haustoria.

Examples

The Loranthaceae family includes various species of mistletoe.
The bright flowers of some Loranthaceae species attract birds for pollination.
Many species in the Loranthaceae family are known for their parasitic growth on tree hosts.
Scientists have debated whether to include Viscaceae within Loranthaceae in botanical classifications.
Many Loranthaceae plants are known for their unique attachment to trees.
The Loranthaceae family includes several types of mistletoe that parasitize a variety of tree species.
Some members of the Loranthaceae family are recognized for their vibrant flowers that attract pollinators.

Synonyms

mistletoe family

vsLoranthaceae

Specialized

7.2

A group of plants like mistletoe that grow on other plants and take water and food from them

specifies attachment using special haustoria and notes tropical and temperate regions

Viscaceae

vsLoranthaceae

Specialized

9.9

A family of flowering plants that grow on other plants, like mistletoe

is the broader family that may include that subgroup as part

Surface Forms

Loranthaceae singular

Loranthaceas plural

Loranthaceae plural

Morphology

Loranthaceae = Loranthus (opaque) = Loranth + aceae

The family name is formed by attaching the specialized Latin taxonomic suffix '-aceae' to a genus stem; this formation is specialized and not recoverable by an average learner.

Etymology

Loranthaceae comes from the plant name Loranthus plus the botanical ending -aceae, which means 'family' of plants. Loranthus is a kind of mistletoe, so the name tells you this is the 'family' of mistletoe-like, often parasitic plants that grow on other trees.