mistletoe

Description:

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that lives on a larger host plant. I can be identified by its smooth-edged oval evergreen leaves borne in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy white berries in dense clusters.

Habitat:

This species was found in west Texas. The host plant was a live oak. The tree was in a field close to a grade school in San Angelo, TX.

Notes:

Mistletoe claims to have an anti-cancer effect, inhansed quality of life, and other outcomes from the use of mistletoe extract. There is no clinical evidence to support these claims. It is known as the kissing plant - just hold it above someones head and it seems to give you unfettered permission to kiss the one under it!!