Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. is known as mistletoe and belongs to the Loranthaceae family. In Indonesia, mistletoe is commonly known as “benalu” and it is named depending on its host plant, for example, “benalu teh” (mistletoe that grew on tea as host plant). Since D. pentandra is a semiparasitic plant, it reduces productivity of horticultural plants. Nevertheless, D. pentandra was used traditionally for cough, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, diuretic, smallpox, ulcer, skin infection, and after child-birth treatments in Indonesia and other countries. D. pentandra live on host plants to obtain food, water, and support by connecting to the host xylem via haustorium.

Source: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/aps/2016/3242698/