Mistletoe white berries that it bears in clusters of two to six. The Eastern mistletoe of North America is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries. The word 'mistletoe' derives from the older form 'mistle' adding the Old English word "tān" (twig). 'Mistle' is common Germanic (Old High German "mistil", Middle High German "mistel", Old English "mistel", Old Norse "mistil"). Further etymology is uncertain, but may be related to the Germanic base for 'mash'. Parasitism has evolved at least 12 times among the vascular plants . Molecular data show the mistletoe habit has evolved
Mistletoebird long distance mistletoe seed dispersal while the mistletoebirds generally concentrate on and limit their feeding to around local mistletoe infestations. Recent ecological studies have found the mistletoe producing a rich biodiversity in areas where it proliferates. The litter-fall under mistletoe infestation, where there is a high turnover of rich mistletoe leaves, has a diverse animal and plant life. Also, the denseness of the mistletoe bush and the characteristics of its leaves makes it a cool and safe place for birds to rest, hide and nest. In a recent study in Southern Australia, 217 species of Australian arboreal birds were reported