Mayan Mistletoe
| Scientific name | Mayan name | Español | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psittacanthus mayanus | K'ubemba | Muérdago, Caballero | Mayan Mistletoe |
Locally known as Muérdago or Caballero, this parasitic plant produces bright red or orange tubular flowers. It is a specialized favorite that hummingbirds seek out high in the tree canopies. They are often quite large and vibrant, sometimes mistaken for flowering trees rather than a typical small bunch of mistletoe. As hemiparasites, they photosynthesize but rely on host trees for water and nutrients, sometimes severely damaging the host. They are spread by birds eating their sticky berries, which are then deposited on new tree branches. These plants differ visually from the smaller, white-berried American or European mistletoe often used for Christmas decorations. The Cinnamon Hummingbird is the primary feeder of the Mayan Mistletoe, and it is a key resource for them during certain seasons when other nectar sources are scarce.
The Flowers
