Sometimes leafless and usually unnoticed during the dryer months the mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that lives attached a host tree. There are a few different species of mistletoe around Katherine and some put on a seasonal display of reddish orange flowers as the rain approaches.
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Mistletoe plants parasitise a wide range of trees and can reduce the growth of branches that they grow on. Ecologists think that although the mistletoe can damage their parent tree the presence of mistletoe is an indicator of the health of the surrounding environment. If mistletoe is present in a landscape, but not taking over, then bird, animal and insect communities are present in numbers that are able to control it while benefiting from the food and shelter it offers.
Some birds nest in mistletoe foliage and the nectar packed flowers are a great food source for all sorts of critters. The leaves of the mistletoe plant are an essential part of the nutrient cycle as they fall onto the soil beneath their host tree ensuring the ongoing survival of other plant species.
This means that mistletoe can be important for biodiversity in our woodlands.
The life of most mistletoe plants begins when a mistletoe bird eats the small, sweet fruit and the sticky, gluey seed drops onto a branch from its rear end, passing quickly through the bird, perhaps in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. Although many seeds fall to the ground some stick to suitable branches. If this happens, a tiny tendril will emerge and grow directly into the bark of the host tree. The bark develops a small ulcer-like hole and the mistletoe roots probe until they hit sap rich in water and minerals. Once established the plant grows quickly as long as there is plenty of light.
Around the world, there are ancient myths associated with mistletoe plants along with many different, practical uses. In some cultures, legend says that a man has to kiss a lady who has accidentally found herself standing under a sprig of mistletoe. Here in the Top End things are slightly more prosaic and the different mistletoe species can have medicinal, ceremonial, food or other uses.
Merry Christmas from all of us here at Parks and Wildlife NT. Be safe and be crocwise over the festive season and if you are spending time with loved ones, keep an eye out for colourful, handy mistletoe plants.
