ON THE ECOLOGY AND PARASITISM OF THE COSTA RICAN TREE MISTLETOE, GAIADENDRON PUNCTATUM (RUIZ & PAVON) G. DON.

Abstract

The ecological setting and distribution of Gaiadendron pundatum (Ruiz & Pavon) G. Don in Costa Rica are described. The species occurs in a variety of epiphytic and terrestrial habitats, the latter probably being a result of man's interference in the structure of the forest.The plant is a stoloniferous parasite. The gross morphology of haustoria is described; self-parasitism is common. Two ferns and an ericaceous shrub were positively identified as hosts.An account is given of germination and the early development of seedlings.