How does mistletoe grow |
More than just a Christmas favourite, the English mistletoe is also believed to have important medicinal properties. Currently undergoing research, there are already compounds identified and isolated which are helping scientists with their search for a cure for cancer.
1. They eat the berries, but are unable to digest the seed. This seed is then excreted from the bird within its droppings and with a bit of luck, these seeds will land on a suitable host tree’s bark where they will germinate.
2. When they are eating the berries, some of the seeds often become ‘glued’ to the bird's beak by the sticky, viscous flesh - known as viscin - which surrounds them. The bird then tries to wipe off the seeds by rubbing its beak against the bark of a neighbouring tree. This seed then sticks to the bark instead triggering the embryonic plant to start growing.
Although difficult to germinate, - fact only about 10% of seed grows on to become a viable plant - it is possible to give nature a hand. Click onto the link below to learn how to propagate and grow mistletoe.
For related article click onto the following links:
HOW DOES MISTLETOE GROW?
How to Propagate and Grow Mistletoe
HOW TO GROW MISTLETOE FROM SEED
RHS Mistletoe
WHAT IS MISTLETOE?
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