Viscum obscurum, commonly known as Dusky Mistletoe or Obscure Mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It typically grows slowly to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This mistletoe has a distinctive growth form, with branching stems that often create a dense, tangled clump. Its small, yellow-green flowers are inconspicuous and bloom in the spring, followed by white to pinkish berries that are attractive to birds. The plant is not particularly showy but plays a crucial ecological role as a food source for wildlife.

Dusky Mistletoe is not commonly cultivated due to its parasitic nature, but when it is, it’s used for its ecological benefits, particularly in wildlife gardens where its berries provide food for birds. It requires a host plant, typically a tree or shrub, from which it derives water and nutrients. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils, with medium to fast drainage. It is drought-tolerant, requiring low amounts of water once established. There are no popular garden cultivars of Viscum obscurum due to its specialized growth requirements and niche appeal. Potential problems include the ethical considerations of cultivating a parasitic plant that may harm its host.CC BY-SA 4.0