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
Psittacanthus Psittacanthus Psittacanthus, also parrot-flower, is a plant genus in the family Loranthaceae. It is a type of mistletoe native from central Mexico southwards to Central America and parts of South America. It differs from most other Loranthaceae genera by its large flowers and bulky haustorial connections to its host, and by its large fruits. Its flowers frequently "light up the host tree in brilliant hues of red or red and yellow". From inoculation of a branch with the seed to production of new seed on the plant requires about five years. Psittacanthus is dispersed by birds feeding on fruits and