Mistletoes are a motley group of plants defined more by their lifestyle than their lineage. They all have three features in ...

But, botanically speaking, that’s what mistletoe is. There are some 1,300 species of this evergreen plant worldwide. They’re ...

Different dodders prefer different host plants. Hosts include alfalfa, asparagus, bindweed, pigweed, lambsquarters, Russian ...

Mistletoe has been part of Christmas folklore since at least the 1700s. Its kiss-inducing qualities are common knowledge, but the fact that it's a parasitic plant is not. Mistletoe, whether ...

Parasites that cannot survive without a host are known as obligate, while facultative parasites can live and reproduce without a host plant. While mistletoe may be commonly associated with Christmas ...

“The evolution of parasitic lifestyles is one of the most fascinating stories ... and genetically to out-compete their hosts—and other parasites.” The enzyme the plant is missing is called Complex I.

Mistletoe is such a plant. But set aside the kissing custom and you’ll find a hundred and one reasons to appreciate the berry-bearing parasite for its very own sake. David Watson certainly does.