Franz Sieber first described this species as Loranthus congener in 1829,[1] before Philippe Édouard Léon Van Tieghem gave it its current binomial name in 1894.

[2] It grows as shrubby plant, with either an erect or pendant (drooping) habit, from a tree branch or trunk.

[3] The 0.8 cm (0.31 in) diameter round fruit ripen over the summer (December to February), and the single seed within is contained in a sticky membrane.

[4] Scale insect species such as Ceroplastes cerciferus, C. rubens, and Aspidiotus aurantii can attack the plant.

[4] The seed immediately begins to germinate and soon penetrates the vascular system of the tree and creates a physiological connection with the xylem of the new host.