Talk:Mistletoe
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Mistletoe: Friend or Foe?
Instead of roots, mistletoe plants produce finger-like projections, called haustoria, that grow through the tree bark and into the tree branches. Making a connection with the water-conducting vessels of the tree, mistletoe absorbs the water and minerals it needs to grow and reproduce. Some mistletoe species grow only a few inches in diameter while others grow into impressive masses measuring several feet across.
A selfish plant, mistletoe can divert water from the tree to itself when conditions are dry. This siphoning ability gave rise to another common name, "vampire plant." In addition, mistletoe is wasteful of water. It continues to transpire (lose water) when water is short. Trees, on the other hand, strive to limit loss of water through leaves when drought conditions occur. [1] (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2000/dec00/dec0010.html)
Mistletoe is poison
The whole plant is poisonous. Refer to http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/11948.cfm for example.
Actually, only a few species (there are about 1500 across the world) are poisonous. The most significant toxic species is the American Phoradendron spcies used at Christmas - as these have caused many problems for pets and children. But that's only in N America - and there're a lot more mistletoes elsewhere. The 'true' mistletoe of legend, the European Viscum album species is not toxic - and is widely used in medicinal teas, and in cancer treatments. It is misleading to generalise... See www.mistletoe.org.uk for general info and links to other sites.
Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?
Q Rich Farmbrough 14:55, 24 Dec 2004 (UTC)