Still waiting for that kiss!

We tend to see Mistletoe many times, but do we actually know much about this strange parasitic plant?  Mistletoe is the common name for most obligate hemiparasitic plants. They are attached to their host tree or shrub through which they extract water and nutrients from the host plant. Their parasitic lifestyle has led to some dramatic changes in their metabolism as well. The name Mistletoe originally referred to the species Viscum album (European mistletoe);  and it is the only species native to the British Isles and much of Europe. A separate species, Viscum cruciatum, occurs in Southwest Spain which I have seen. The word 'Mistletoe' derives from the older form 'mistle' adding the Old English word tān (twig). 'Mistle' is a Germanic name. 

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe

According to the happier versions of the legend Baldur (sometimes spelled Baldr or Balder) was killed by an enemy's arrow made of Mistletoe. His mother, the goddess Frigg, wept tears onto the arrow. Overjoyed, Frigg blessed the Mistletoe plant and promised a kiss to all who passed beneath it.

Is it dangerous

What you have been hanging from your eves every holiday season can actually poison you if ingested. Mistletoe isn't known to kill humans, but it can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, vomiting, and even seizures. 

So there you are, some festive information on the Mistletoe.  I do like seeing the bright white berries close up though, and it can be seen growing on a number of host trees. Poplars in particular seem to have an abundance of Mistletoe growing on them, and the ones near to Mamhilad Park Estate in Pontypool testify to this. I have seen in growing in a friends garden on their Apple tree as well. 

Merry Christmas, and thank you for taking an interest in my blog site. I also have two twitter sites as well which are @ecology_cymru and @naturewithnev