Mistletoe

Mistletoe is the common name for obligate hemi-parasitic plants in several families in the order Santalales. The plants in question grow attached to and within the branches of a tree or shrub.


1 Mistletoe in the genus Viscum
2 Other mistletoe groups
3 Life cycle
4 Ecological importance
5 Culture, folklore, and mythology
6 Medicinal use
7 Other uses
8 References
9 Images
10 External links


The name was originally applied to Viscum album (European Mistletoe, Santalaceae), the only species native in Great Britain and much of Europe. European mistletoe, Viscum album is readily recognized by its smooth-edged oval evergreen leaves borne in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy white berries in dense clusters of 2 to 6. In America the genus Viscum does not grow wild but the Eastern Mistletoe (in the genus Phoradendron) is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries.

Viscum album is a poisonous plant that causes acute gastrointestinal problems including stomach pain, and diarrhea along with low pulse.[1] However, both European Mistletoe and the North American species, Phoradendron serotinum, are commercially harvested for Christmas decorations.