Unknown plant, Cape Peninsula, South Africa

Any idea what plant species this is? The photo was taken on Cape Peninsula, South Africa, in August. Thank you for the help.

 

Hi,

I think it is a Euphorbia.- out of flower.....perhaps E. burmannii (?)

BrianO

 

Thanks! I think you might be correct. I was really struggling with this one, using John Manning's Field Guide To Fynbos.

Paalo

 

Fruit looks more like that of Rhipsalis to me.

 

I agree on the looks of the fruits, but what species of Rhipsalis occur in the Cape region of South Africa? The photo was taken in the bush in the Cape of Good Hope Reserve on the Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town. Anyone from South Africa here?

 

Compare with this photo of the fruits of a related Euphorbia, E. tirucalli:

Euphorbia tirucalli fruit

 

Doesn't look like Euphorbia to me. What I think is that this plant parasites on that small-leaf other plant seen on the picture. I would search the Viscaceae family for plants that occur (either naturally or invasively) over there (e.g. Viscum capense).

 

Thanks to all of you for the suggestions. It indeed looks like Viscum capense might be the correct answer.

Paalo

 

What a fascinating plant...thanks Axel for the ID...perfect timing for Christmas...but how on earth can you kiss underneath it??

BrianO

 

Salicornia sp. most likely. And looks like it's in full bloom now.
Here how the flowers look like:
2015.09.15_21.14.33_IMG_0451

 

That was my first thought too. But it doesn't fit with the fruits, I think. And it was growing inland.

Paalo

 

It may be too early for the fruits. I cannot see details at this resolution. It can grow everywhere, where there is a little water to start. My pictures are taken in the desert near Great Salt Lake, Utah, and the soil was pretty dry at that time.

 

Maybe some kind of Santalaceae, growing on that shrub it is sticking up out of.

 

Again, thanks for all suggestions. I think the Viscum capense suggestion might be correct. Attached is an enlarged photo of the fruit.

Paalo

 

Interesting! It sure does look like Viscum.

 

Didn't catch the previous reference to Viscum (Viscaceae > Santalaceae).