Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland: <i>Viscum album</i>

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology Viscum album L. (Mistletoe) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics presented within standard framework Biological Flora Britain Ireland: distribution, habitat, communities, responses biotic factors, environment, structure physiology, phenology, floral seed characters, herbivores disease, history, conservation. is a widespread obligate hemiparasite wide range angiosperm gymnosperm trees. Once thought take just water nutrients from host via haustorium, it now suggested also carbon. Heavy infestations can reduce vitality through prolific use carbon removal. Flowers highly reduced but primarily pollinated by flies, ants bees. Seeds dispersed birds. Removal epicarp necessary for successful seedling establishment, seeds have sticky viscin coat, adhering bark. Vegetative spread happens under bark resulting in densities >700 Mistletoe plants per host. lowland species, most frequent open human-made habitats extending into woodlands Europe. It has been widely planted folklore centred around Christmas. Despite conservation concerns following removal Mistletoe-laden old orchards, species thriving needs control some areas. Viscotoxins lectins leaves shoots used herbal medicine potentially complementary cancer therapy.