/oss/taxonomy/term/2355/all en /oss/article/did-you-know/magic-mistletoe <p>There's been a mystique around mistletoe since ancient times, probably on account of the curious way it grows. The plant is a “hemiparasite,” meaning that it can either grow in soil, or, more commonly, it can spring from the branch of a tree. How did "kissing under the mistletoe" become a thing? People probably stood under the branch in awe, admiring the pretty flowers, giving others an opportunity to take a little liberty with their smooches.</p> Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:00:00 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 7501 at /oss /oss/article/did-you-know/mistletoe <p>The original mistletoe, Viscum album, (different from the ornamental North American version) got its name from the Anglo-Saxon word “mistel” for “dung” and “tan” for “twig.” Dung-on-a twig really is an excellent description of the plant’s origin. Mistletoe would often appear on a branch where birds left their droppings which contained mistletoe berry seeds that had passed through their digestive tracts. Interestingly, birds are not bothered by the seeds which are highly toxic to humans.</p> Sun, 14 May 2017 02:32:42 +0000 Joe Schwarcz PhD 2447 at /oss