Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 3084036

Mistletoe Cactus

Rhipsalis baccifera

Also known as Spaghetti Cactus, Coral Cactus

Mistletoe cactus grows as a pendant epiphyte, draping long cylindrical, thread-like stems from tree forks and rock crevices in warm, humid forests. Tiny greenish-white flowers bloom along its slender branching segments and develop into translucent, sticky white berries reminiscent of true mistletoe. It holds a unique biogeographical distinction as the only cactus species established natively outside the Americas, thriving across tropical Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.

EpiphyteSucculentPendant
Mistletoe Cactus reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Scale Insects
  • Mealybugs
  • Snails
ThreatsDeforestation, forest fragmentation, and overcollection for horticulture
HabitatsTropical rainforests, cloud forests, and subtropical humid hammocks
Life span10 to 30 years
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyCactaceae
  3. GenusRhipsalis
  4. SpeciesRhipsalis baccifera
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Field Spotting: Look up into humid forest canopies to spot dense pale-green curtains hanging from tree crotches.
  • Cultivation Care: Grow in bright indirect light with well-draining epiphytic bark mix and regular humidity.
  • Ethical Viewing: Leave wild specimens anchored to their host trees to protect mature forest ecosystems.
Related species
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