Genus Loranthus, commonly known as mistletoe, is a group of parasitic plants that thrive on the branches of various trees. There are several synonyms for this term, including "Loranthaceae", which refers to the family in which the genus belongs. Another synonym is "Viscum", which is a related genus within the same family. Some other synonyms for the genus Loranthus are "Arceuthobium" and "Phthirusa". These terms are frequently used interchangeably in scientific literature and can be confusing to those unfamiliar with the taxonomy of plants. Regardless of the specific term used, these parasitic plants play an important ecological role in shaping forest ecosystems worldwide.