Did you know

Mistletoe is a catchall term for the more than 1500 species of "mistletoe" growing around the world, most of them growing
in the tropics and belonging to an entirely different plant family.

             The origin of the word mistletoe seems to refer to the fact that mistletoe was observed as appearing on a tree wherever
             a thrush (mistel or missel) left its excrement on a branch or -toe. Mistletoe spreads through birds eating and digesting
             the seeds, which are then deposited on a tree branch where roots soon begin to grow and burrow into the host.

             Birds also squeeze mistletoe seeds from the fruits before eating
             them and wipe the seeds on a branch. Mistletoe seeds
             are covered in a sticky substance so they stay put on a limb until they sprout.

            Mistletoe is considered a pest in many areas of the world.
            A host tree or bush heavily infested with mistletoe can be stunted or even die.
            Still, mistletoe provides an important food source and a nesting place for a variety
            of bird species.