A semi-parasitic European evergreen shrub that grows in the canopy of host trees, famous for sticky white berries and the Christmas kissing tradition.
Description
Mistletoe forms rounded yellow-green ball-like clumps on tree branches, with paired narrow leaves and tiny inconspicuous flowers. The translucent white berries are sticky inside.
Cultivation
Mistletoe grows only on host trees such as apple, hawthorn, lime, and poplar, drawing water and minerals from them while making its own sugars. Birds spread the seeds in their droppings.
Uses
Sprigs of mistletoe are a Christmas decoration with ancient pre-Christian roots. The plant is used in some European complementary cancer therapies despite uncertain evidence.
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Mistletoe starts with M and ends with E. Browse other plants along the same letter.
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