About Erianthemum dregei (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Tiegh.
Erianthemum dregei (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Tiegh. is a branched parasitic shrub that produces spreading or pendent stems, forming clumps that can reach up to 2 meters by 1.5 meters in size. Its leaves are leathery, hairless, and typically alternate, though they may sometimes grow opposite one another, with visible prominent side veins. The growing points of the plant are covered in velvety brown fuzz. Its flowers grow in dense small clusters, are covered in dense hairs, and are pale yellowish-green, sometimes with an orange or pink flush. The fruit of Erianthemum dregei is a berry 10 to 15 millimeters across, ranging in color from orange to bright red. This species displays significant morphological variation across its distribution range. This plant is native to Africa, where it parasitizes a wide variety of tree species. It grows in higher rainfall areas, ranging from the Eastern Cape of South Africa through KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini, and Mpumalanga, extending north into East Africa as far as northern Ethiopia. Populations are also found in southern Angola. In African traditional medicine, Erianthemum dregei is used to treat stomach complaints in both children and cattle.
