Mistletoe 70129 223988476 2008-07-06T21:00:24Z 24.121.15.116 /* External links */ {{for|the Christmas single by Colbie Caillat|Mistletoe (song)}} {{Taxobox | name = Mistletoe | image = MistletoeInSilverBirch.jpg | image_width = 250px | image_caption = European mistletoe attached to a [[silver birch]] | regnum = [[Plantae]] | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]] | ordo = [[Santalales]] | subdivision_ranks = Families | subdivision = [[Santalaceae]] ([[Viscaceae]])<br/> [[Loranthaceae]]<br/> [[Misodendraceae]] }} '''''Mistletoe''''' is the common name for a group of [[parasitic plant|hemi-parasitic]] [[plant]]s in the [[Order (biology)|order]] [[Santalales]] that grow attached to and within the branches of a tree or shrub. [[Parasitism]] evolved only nine times in the plant kingdom;<ref>Job Kuijt, ''Biology of Parasitic Flowering Flants'' (University of California) 1969.</ref> of those, the parasitic mistletoe habit has evolved independently five times: [[Misodendraceae]], [[Loranthaceae]], [[Santalaceae]] (formerly considered the separate family [[Eremolepidaceae]]), and [[Santalaceae]] (formerly treated as the separate family [[Viscaceae]]). Although Viscaceae and Eremolepidaceae were placed in a broadly-defined Santalaceae by [[Angiosperm Phylogeny Group]] 2, they originated independently, according to DNA sequences analysed by Dan Nickrent, Southern Illinois University. The word 'mistletoe' is of uncertain etymology; it may be related to [[German language|German]] ''Mist'', for dung and ''Tang'' for branch, but [[Old English language|Old English]] ''mistel'' was also used for [[basil]]. == Species == The name was originally applied to ''[[Viscum album]]'' (European Mistletoe, Santalaceae), the only species native in [[Great Britain]] and much of [[Europe]]. Later it was extended to other related species, including ''[[Phoradendron|Phoradendron serotinum]]'' (the Eastern Mistletoe of eastern [[North America]], also Santalaceae). European Mistletoe is readily recognized by its smooth-edged [[oval]] evergreen leaves borne in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy white berries in dense [[cluster]]s of 2 to 6. In America, the Eastern Mistletoe is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries. In the [[US]], ''[[Phoradendron]] flavescens'' is commercially harvested for Christmas decorations. The largest family of Mistletoes, Loranthaceae, has 73 genera and over 900 species.<ref>WS Judd, CS Campbell, EA Kellogg, PF Stevens & MJ Donaghue (2002) Plant systematics: a phylogenetic approach. Sinauer Associates, Inc., Sunderland Massachusetts, USA. ISBN 0-87893-403-0</ref> [[subtropics|Subtropical]] and [[tropics|tropical]] [[climate]]s have markedly more Mistletoe species; [[Australia]] has 85, of which 71 are in Loranthaceae, and 14 in Santalaceae.{{Fact|date=June 2007}}. == Life cycle == Mistletoe species grow on a wide range of [[Host (biology)|host tree]]s, and commonly reduce their growth but can kill them with heavy infestation. ''Viscum album'' can parasitise more than 200 tree and shrub species. Almost all mistletoes are [[parasitic plant|hemi-parasites]], bearing [[evergreen]] [[leaf|leaves]] that do some [[photosynthesis]], and using the host mainly for water and mineral nutrients. An exception is the leafless quintral, ''[[Tristerix]] aphyllus'', which lives deep inside the sugar-transporting tissue of a spiny cactus, appearing only to show its tubular red flowers.<ref>Susan Milius, "Botany under the Mistletoe" ''Science News' '''158'''.26/27 (December 2000:412).</ref> The genus ''[[Arceuthobium]]'' (dwarf mistletoe; Santalaceae) has reduced photosynthesis; as an adult, it manufactures only a small proportion of the [[sugars]] it needs from its own photosythesis but as a [[seedling]] it actively photosynthesizes until a connection to the host is established. Some species of the largest family, Loranthaceae, have small, [[insect pollination|insect-pollinated]] [[flowers]] (as with Santalaceae), but others have spectacularly showy, large, [[bird pollination|bird-pollinated]] flowers. Most mistletoe seeds are spread by birds, such as the [[Mistle Thrush]] in Europe, the [[Phainopepla]] in southwestern North America, and [[Dicaeum]] of [[Asia]] and Australia; they derive sustenance through eating the fruits ([[drupe]]s). The seeds are excreted in their droppings and stick to twigs, or more commonly the bird grips the fruit in its bill, squeezes the sticky coated seed out to the side, and then wipes its bill clean on a suitable branch.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} The seeds are coated with a sticky material called viscin (containing both [[Cellulose|cellulosic]] strands and [[mucopolysaccharide]]s), which hardens and attaches the seed firmly to its future host. == Ecological importance == Mistletoe was often considered a pest that kills trees and devalues natural habitats, but was recently recognized as an ecological [[keystone species]], an organism that has a disproportionately pervasive influence over its community.<ref>David M. Watson, "Mistletoe-A Keystone Resource in Forests and Woodlands Worldwide" ''Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics'' '''32''' (2001:219-249). </ref> A broad array of animals depend on mistletoe for food, consuming the leaves and young shoots, transferring [[pollen]] between plants, and dispersing the sticky seeds. The dense evergreen witches' brooms formed by the [[dwarf mistletoe]]s (''[[Arceuthobium]]'' species) of western North America also make excellent locations for roosting and nesting of the Northern [[Spotted Owl]]s and the [[Marbled Murrelet]]s. In Australia the [[Diamond Firetail]]s and Painted [[Honeyeater]]s are recorded as nesting in different mistletoes. This behavior is probably far more widespread than currently recognized; more than 240 species of birds that nest in foliage in Australia have been recorded nesting in mistletoe, representing more than 75% of the resident [[avifauna]].{{Fact|date=June 2007}} A study of mistletoe in [[juniper]]s concluded that more juniper berries sprout in stands where mistletoe is present, as the mistletoe attracts berry-eating birds which also eat juniper berries; juniper berries that have passed through a bird's digestive tract are less likely to remain imprisoned within a hardened outer capsule.<ref>Susan Milius, "Mistletoe, of All Things, Helps Juniper Trees" ''Science News'' '''161'''.1 (January 2002:6).</ref> Such interactions lead to dramatic influences on diversity, as areas with greater mistletoe densities support higher diversities of animals. Thus, rather than being a pest, mistletoe can have a positive effect on [[biodiversity]], providing high quality food and habitat for a broad range of animals in forests and woodlands worldwide. == In culture and mythology == European mistletoe, ''Viscum album'', figured prominently in [[Greek mythology]], and is believed to be [[The Golden Bough]] of [[Aeneas]], ancestor of the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]].<ref>Virgil (19 BCE) The Aeneid</ref> The [[Norse mythology|Norse god]] [[Baldr|Baldur]] was killed with a [[spear]] made of mistletoe.<ref>[[Gylfaginning]], [http://www.northvegr.org/lore/prose/069072.php XLIX On-line text]</ref> Mistletoe bears fruit at the time of the [[Winter solstice celebration|Winter Solstice]], the birth of the new year, and may have been used in solstitial rites in Druidic Britain as a symbol of immortality. In [[Celtic mythology]] and in [[Druidry|druid]] rituals, it was considered a remedy for barrenness in animals and an antidote to [[poison]]<ref>{{cite book |title= Natural History |last= Pliny the Elder |pages= Book XVI}}</ref>, although the fruits of many mistletoes are actually poisonous if ingested as they contain [[viscotoxins]]. An old Christian tradition said that mistletoe was once a tree and furnished the [[True Cross|wood of the Cross]]. After the [[Crucifixion]], the plant shriveled and became dwarfed to a [[parasite|parasitic]] vine.[http://www.novareinna.com/festive/mistle.html] In Romanian traditions, mistletoe (''vâsc'' in [[Romanian language|Romanian]]) is considered a source of good fortune. The medical and the supposed magical properties of the plant are still used, especially in rural areas. A popular myth says that the Mistletoe was cut with a [[gold]] [[sickle]] and it lost its power if it fell and touched the ground. This is a confusion with the [[Holly]] 'holy' Tree, the most sacred tree of the [[druids]] (after the Oak) due to both plants being green all year, having colorful fruits and sharing similar history of winter months.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} [[Getafix]], the druid in the [[Asterix]] comics was often seen up trees collecting Mistletoe, and it was alluded to be an ingredient in his magic potion. Mistletoe has sometimes been nicknamed the ''[[vampirism|vampire]] plant'' because it can probe beneath the [[tree bark]] to drain water and minerals, enabling it to survive during a drought.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} [[William Shakespeare]] gives it an unflattering reference in ''[[Titus Andronicus]]'', Act II, Scene I: "Overcome with moss and baleful mistletoe". Mistletoe is commonly used as a [[Christmas]] [[beauty|decoration]], though such use was rarely alluded to into the 18th century.<ref>Susan Drury, "Customs and Beliefs Associated with Christmas Evergreens: A Preliminary Survey" ''Folklore'' '''98'''.2 (1987:194-199) p. 194. </ref> ''Viscum album'' is used in [[Europe]] whereas ''Phoradendron serotinum'' is used in [[North America]]. According to custom, the mistletoe must not touch the ground between its cutting and its removal as the last of Christmas greens at [[Candlemas]]; it may remain hung through the year, often to preserve the house from lightning or fire, until it was replaced the following Christmas Eve.<ref>Drury 1987.</ref>. The tradition has spread throughout the English-speaking world but is largely unknown in the rest of Europe. The appearance and nature of the fruit's content (viscin) is very similar or suggestive of [[human]] [[semen]] and this has strengthened its [[pagan]] connections.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} Mistletoe (''Phoradendron flavescens'') is the state [[floral emblem]] for the State of [[Oklahoma]]. The state did not have an official flower, leaving the Mistletoe as the assumed [[state flower]] until the [[Oklahoma Rose]] was designated as such in 2004.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} === Kissing under mistletoe at Christmas === According to a custom of Christmas cheer, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to [[kiss]]. The custom is [[Scandinavia]]n in origin.<ref>E. Cobham Brewer, ''Dictionary of Phrase and Fable'' 1898, ''s.v. "Kissing under the mistletoe" relates the custom to the death of Balder, without authority.</ref> The custom has been incorporated into various [[Christmas music|holiday songs]]. The 1943 song ''[[I'll Be Home for Christmas]]'' tells the story of a lonely traveler looking forward to coming home and seeing, among other things, mistletoe. The Mistletoe is mentioned in the song "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" ("[[The Christmas Song]]"), made famous by [[Nat King Cole]], and written by [[Mel Torme]]. The song "[[A Holly Jolly Christmas]]" sung by [[Burl Ives]], and used for the TV special "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", features the line, "Ho Ho, the Mistletoe", and the line, "Kiss her once for me". In 1961 singer [[Aretha Franklin]] released a Christmas song called ''Kissin' by the Mistletoe''. In 1971 singer [[Lynn Anderson]] recorded the song ''Mr. Mistletoe'' on her holiday album ''The Christmas Album''. The song talks about an elf who hangs mistletoe in homes so that people can "steal a kiss from someone that they know". In 2001 [[Barbra Streisand]] released the song ''It Must Have Been the Mistletoe''. ''Rocking around the Christmas Tree'' also refers to "mistletoe hung where you can see, every couple tries to stop". A popular child's Christmas song's first line is, "I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus, underneath the mistletoe last night." == Other uses == Mistletoe leaves and young twigs are used by herbalists, and it is popular in Europe, especially in [[Germany]], for treating circulatory and respiratory system problems, and [[cancer]].<ref>Ernst E, Schmit K, Steuer-Vogt MK. Mistletoe for cancer? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Int J Cancer 2003;107:262-7, cited in BMJ 2006;333:1293-1294 (23 December)[http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/333/7582/1293?ijkey=56e55886cc53e0c478801e74001edc3bea1c322e&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha]</ref> <ref>[http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/PrintablePages/herbMonograph/0,11475,4043,00.html Drug Digest]</ref> <ref>[http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/m/mistle40.html botanical.com - A Modern Herbal | Mistletoe<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Mistletoe is being studied as a potential treatment for tumors. Although such use is not yet permitted in the US, mistletoe is prescribed in Europe. [http://content.febsjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/269/10/2591] [http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/mistletoe/patient/Page2] The sticky juice of mistletoe berries was used as [[adhesive]] to [[Animal trapping#Glue traps|trap]] small animals or birds. == References == {{reflist}} ==Images== <gallery> Image:Mistletoe 1.jpg|Mistletoe in an apple tree in Essex, England Image:Mistletoe.jpg|Mistletoe in an apple tree in Essex, England Image:Mistletoe on tree.jpg|Mistletoe bush on a [[Eucalyptus]] tree Image:Eucalyptus mistletoe.jpg|Mistletoe attached to [[Eucalyptus]] host Image:Mistletoe seeds.jpg|Mistletoe fruits Image:Mistletoe seed on twig.jpg|The sticky seed of the mistletoe on a branch Image:DSCN5417-red-mistletoe rebal b.jpg|Red mistletoe, New Zealand Image:Mistletoe_San_Bernardino_Mountains.jpg|Mistletoe in [[San Bernardino Mountains]] </gallery> ==External links== {{Wiktionary}} * [http://www.rmrs.nau.edu/mistletoe/ The Mistletoe Center] * [http://www.mistletoe.org.uk About mistletoe] * [http://www.parasiticplants.siu.edu/ Parasitic Plant Connection. See families Misodendraceae, Loranthaceae, Santalaceae, and Viscaceae] * [http://www.apsnet.org/education/IntroPlantPath/PathogenGroups/Parasiticplants/ Introduction to Parasitic Flowering Plants by Nickrent & Musselman] * [http://www.science.siu.edu/plant-biology/Faculty/nickrent/NickrentPDFs/MistletoesWIFDWK.pdf Mistletoe phylogenetics; 2000 WIFDWK pdf by Nickrent] * [http://www.science.siu.edu/plant-biology/Faculty/nickrent/NickrentPDFs/Santalales-mistletoes.pdf Encyclopedia of Life Sciences 2001 pdf by Nickrent] * [http://www.cas.vanderbilt.edu/bioimages/species/frame/phle14.htm ''Phoradendron serotinum'' images at bioimages.vanderbilt.edu] *[http://mistletoeforyou.googlepages.com/ More Information] * [http://wissenschaft.mistel-therapie.de/?lang=1 Scientific Studies, Research and Clinical Trials on Mistletoe Treatment in Cancer] [[Category:Medicinal plants]] [[Category:Santalales]] [[Category:Parasitic plants]] [[Category:Christmas plants]] [[Category:Winter traditions]] [[et:Puuvõõrik]] [[es:Muérdago]] [[fa:دارواش]] [[fr:Gui (plante)]] [[ko:겨우살이류]] [[io:Mistelo]] [[ja:ヤドリギ類]] [[sco:Messeldeu]] [[zh:槲寄生]]