As Christmas is around the corner, people have begun to hang mistletoe wreaths up in their houses. It is also the time for couples to celebrate their love with a kiss under the mistletoe. But, did you know this plant, which we use to represent love, is actually a pest for other trees?

Mistletoe, which has the Latin name of Viscum album, is a plant that needs to rely on other trees to grow. It can be hosted by up to 200 different species. When it attaches to a host, mistletoe starts to reduce the ability to photosynthesize and it also steals water and nutrients from its host plants. Sometimes, healthy plants can endure small amounts of mistletoe, but as it grows, it might eventually kill the host.

Mistletoe plants mainly use birds to spread their seeds. During early winter, mistletoe will bear some red or white berries that attract birds. As birds land on other trees, they digest and excrete the seeds of mistletoe onto the branches of other trees, leading to germination.

People still love them during Christmas time though. Mistletoe is not only a symbol of love and friendship, but also considered a symbol of good luck.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)