Common names:
|
Vernacular names do exist but have
not yet been recorded. |
Pest status:
|
The pest status is unknown. In most
cases, the host tree does not seem to suffer but occasionally a tree is
found to be so infested with Tapinanthus that it somehow must affect
the production. |
Host plants:
|
Tapinanthus infests a large number of tree species in northern Namibia.
It is known from Marula trees (Sclerocarya birrea) and common on
Camel's Thorn (Acacia erioloba). There are also observations from
Citrus
and Combretum species in Oshakati-Ongwediva area. The "Waterberg
Flora" mentions Albizia, Acacia, Aloe, Combretum, Commiphora, Euclea,
Ficus, Grewia, Rhus, Terminaliaand Ziziphus as host plants. |
Distribution:
|
Widespread and very common in North
Central Namibia |
Description:
|
Parasite (a Mistetoe) on trees.
The elliptic leaves resemble the olive leaves and gave the species its
name The unopened flowers look like a bundle of vertical matches
- red with a whitish tip. The fruit is a red berry, about 1.5 cm long.
Tapinanthus is often overlooked
in a tree as it blends in well with the leaves of the tree itself. The
dropping of flowers and red fruits, however, leave a tell-tale sign of
its presence under nearly every tree. The parasite is best observed during
winter time when trees have few leaves and Tapinanthus still have
lush green leaves. |
Control:
|
No control is recommended at present |
Other notes:
|
There is a traditional story in
northern Namibia about Tapinanthus: The plant is called bird-lime
because the pulp of the berry is so sticky that it is smeared onto branches
near water holes. Birds resting there will get caught by the glue and can
easily be caught.
The woody infestation points of old
Tapinanthus
specimens are very beautiful. They are often used in decorations and are
called "woodroses".
At least one other species of Tapinanthus
is found in the area: T. glaucocarpus. It should be recognised on
a lot of dense hairs. |
