#Arceuthobium

[by-jessica-achillea]

The Complete Guide On Growing Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches or trunks of trees and shrubs. It is most commonly recognized during the winter holidays for its association with Christmas traditions. Here is a growing or information guide on the species of mistletoe, enjoy 🙂 Jump down the article by clicking the links below: Common Names Botanical Name Type of Plant Annual or Perennial Scientific…

[the-witchy-sideblog]

Plants for The Corruption

Strangler Figs (Ficus)

Dodder (Cuscata)

Indian paintbrush (Castilleja)

Witchweeds (Striga)

Boomerapes (Orobanche and Phelipanche)

Hydnora (Hydnora africana)

Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium Americanu)

European Mistletoe (Viscum album)

Australian Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda)

Ghost plant (Monotropa uniflora)

Giant padma (Rafflesia arnoldii)

Thurber’s stemsucker (Pilostyles thurberi)

Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor)

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Poplar Mushroom (Cyclocybe parasitica)

Elm Oyster Mushroom (Hypsizygus ulmarius)

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)

Lobster Mushroom (Hypomyces lactifluorum)

Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea)

Caterpillar Fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis)

[lollytea]

Luz: Uh Ohhhhh. Hunterrrr, Willowww, what's that hanging above your heads? >:3

Willow: Oooh, mistletoe!

Luz: That's right! And did you know th-

Willow: Mistletoe species grow on a wide range of host trees, some of which experience side effects including reduced growth, stunting, and loss of infested outer branches. A heavy infestation may also kill the host plant. Viscum album successfully parasitizes more than 200 tree and shrub species.

All mistletoe species are hemiparasites because they do perform some photosynthesis for some period of their life cycle. However, in some species its contribution is very nearly zero. For example, some species, such as Viscum minimum, that parasitize succulents, commonly species of Cactaceae or Euphorbiaceae, grow largely within the host plant, with hardly more than the flower and fruit emerging. Once they have germinated and attached to the circulatory system of the host, their photosynthesis reduces so far that it becomes insignificant.

Most of the Viscaceae bear evergreen leaves that photosynthesise effectively, and photosynthesis proceeds within their green, fleshy stems as well. Some species, such as Viscum capense, are adapted to semi-arid conditions and their leaves are vestigial scales, hardly visible without detailed morphological investigation. Therefore, their photosynthesis and transpiration only take place in their stems, limiting their demands on the host's supply of water, but also limiting their intake of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Accordingly, their contribution to the host's metabolic balance becomes trivial and the idle parasite may become quite yellow as it grows, having practically given up photosynthesis.

At another extreme other species have vigorous green leaves. Not only do they photosynthesize actively, but a heavy infestation of mistletoe plants may take over whole host tree branches, sometimes killing practically the entire crown and replacing it with their own growth. In such a tree the host is relegated purely to the supply of water and mineral nutrients and the physical support of the trunk. Such a tree may survive as a Viscum community for years; it resembles a totally unknown species unless one examines it closely, because its foliage does not look like that of any tree. An example of a species that behaves in this manner is Viscum continuum.

A mistletoe seed germinates on the branch of a host tree or shrub, and in its early stages of development it is independent of its host. It commonly has two or even four embryos, each producing its hypocotyl, that grows towards the bark of the host under the influence of light and gravity, and potentially each forming a mistletoe plant in a clump. Possibly as an adaptation to assist in guiding the process of growing away from the light, the adhesive on the seed tends to darken the bark. On having made contact with the bark, the hypocotyl, with only a rudimentary scrap of root tissue at its tip, penetrates it, a process that may take a year or more. In the meantime the plant is dependent on its own photosynthesis. Only after it reaches the host's conductive tissue can it begin to rely on the host for its needs. Later it forms a haustorium that penetrates the host tissue and takes water and nutrients from the host plant.

Species more or less obligate include the leafless quintral, Tristerix aphyllus, which lives deep inside the sugar-transporting tissue of a spiny cactus, appearing only to show its tubular red flowers, and the genus Arceuthobium (dwarf mistletoe; Santalaceae) which has reduced photosynthesis; as an adult, it manufactures only a small proportion of the sugars it needs from its own photosynthesis, but as a seedling actively photosynthesizes until a connection to the host is established.

Some species of the largest family, Loranthaceae, have small, insect-pollinated flowers (as with Santalaceae), but others have spectacularly showy, large, bird-pollinated flowers.

Most mistletoe seeds are spread by birds that eat the 'seeds' (in actuality drupes). Of the many bird species that feed on them, the mistle thrush is the best-known in Europe, the Phainopepla in southwestern North America, and Dicaeum of Asia and Australia. Depending on the species of mistletoe and the species of bird, the seeds are regurgitated from the crop, excreted in their droppings, or stuck to the bill, from which the bird wipes it onto a suitable branch. The seeds are coated with a sticky material called viscin. Some viscin remains on the seed and when it touches a stem, it sticks tenaciously. The viscin soon hardens and attaches the seed firmly to its future host, where it germinates and its haustorium penetrates the sound bark.

Specialist mistletoe eaters have adaptations that expedite the process; some pass the seeds through their unusually shaped digestive tracts so fast that a pause for defecation of the seeds is part of the feeding routine. Others have adapted patterns of feeding behavior; the bird grips the fruit in its bill and squeezes the sticky-coated seed out to the side. The seed sticks to the beak and the bird wipes it off onto the branch.

Biochemically, viscin is a complex adhesive mix containing cellulosic strands and mucopolysaccharides.

Once a mistletoe plant is established on its host, it usually is possible to save a valuable branch by pruning and judicious removal of the wood invaded by the haustorium, if the infection is caught early enough. Some species of mistletoe can regenerate if the pruning leaves any of the haustorium alive in the wood.

Luz:

Hunter: You are so cool, I want to kiss you so bad.

Luz: Hey, guess what??

[luckyspade-8]

To @sirshiba Happy holidays! I had fun writing this and I hope I did your version of Scarecrow and Riddler justice!

Scriddler

That Damned Parasite of Joy

Words:750 tw:none

Trying to shake off the nerves, Jonathan reposition his arms on Ed's shoulders.

"I am not thrilled about this."

"For one who gets excited at the thought of fear, I would think you would be enthralled with this. All of these high strung beings, who could easily break from one of silver tongue."

"You know damn well I hate any social gathering. It's even worse you brought me to a Holiday Gala, Edward."

"Oh Please, spare me from your sharp word of anguish til after we leave with the information of our enemies."

Sighing, Johnathan continues to awkwardly sway to the music with Ed leading. How he even got here is ridiculous. All it took was Ed using his confounding words of 'intelligence' to get him in this ill fitting suit. Sneaking in was the easy part, but now getting out seemed impossible without the crowds staring at them trying to leave. Especially when Ed chose to wear a eye catching forest glitter green suit.

Choosing to keep dancing, Jon stares into his partners face. The crystal lights reflecting off Ed's gold frames certainly didn't help the sinking feeling. The harsh coldness of the vast ballroom pulling him close to Edward was even worse. God, Johnathan hated this time of year.

The demand to spend money on the people who are suppose to care about you unconditionally have their unspoken conditions met, the annoyingly colorful ads to buy snotty brats the toy of the year and of course. The worst of the all. The cursed plant he hated every single year. The little bunch of parasite plants hung so high. The thing that cause much pain in school dances. That-

"Would you look at that. Mistletoe. Do you know, it comes from three different parasite families. Notably, the most well-known are Viscum, Phoradendron, and Arceuthobium, all of which are members of the family Santalaceae. And of course, the well known saying from Egland that kissing under it will lead to marriage no matter what. Of course, that's just a saying that morphed from Druids buring bonfires and an old Norse legend."

Feeling the dread, Johnathan looks up and sees the dread parasite. Of course. A witches broom. Fuck, it aint the same thing but who cares. Before his face starts to burn with shame, John tries to shuffle away from the bushel of green leaves and white toxic berries. Feeling Edward stop him, John gulps down the fear threatening to spill out his mouth and look back at him.

"So. We both stuck in this predicament. A socially filled room and eyes are starting to fall on us. Of course, if you don't wish to do anything, You don't have to. I would never make you do anything you truly would hate, I'm not that cruel."

Taking a deep breath, Johnathan takes one look over of Ed. The crooked nose he came to adore, the cow lick in his hair that Ed would always avoid calling it that, the rooster tail in the back of his hair that stuck up and how his face would get frustrated when Jon used such words describe him. Edward may be one damn stubborn bastard, but he was the only one Jon would trust to kiss him.

Sighing with a non existing smile, Jonathan simply rolls his eyes hearing Ed go on about how incredibly kind he is before tapping his shoulder.

"Make it quick then."

"Of course, I wouldn't keep one waiting for such a lovely reward. An honor to be given affection from an intelligent being such as I. And furthermore-"

"Oh for the love of that's all holy."

Johnathan pulls the ginger man into a kiss, feeling the sudden warmth of his body temperature. Feeling the eyes starting to pull towards them, Jonathan pulls away. Before Edward could rant and rave about chivalry and ideals, Johnathan put his hand onto Ed's shoulder.

"You make this terrible season almost tolerable."

As the words hit Edward's keen ears, the classic shit eating grin spread across his face.

"Of course, I'm a wonderful delight to be around. To be blessed with such insight-"

"Don't make me regret saying that out loud."

Feeling content, Edward finally shut up.

For all of 5 seconds when he saw someone eating calamari and goes on a tirade on how elitist it is to enjoy something so gross yet expensive. Oh well, it something to ignore the never ending nerves of dread.

[georgiaeveritt]

Research - Parasitic Plants

05.02.24

Mistletoe:

only some species are parasitic

viscum album - native to uk

most mistletoe seeds are spread by birds

lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium Americanum) -native to west north america - spreads to new hosts by exploding its seeds from treetops

each dwarf mistletoe fruit has a single seed that ruptures when mature

it shoots its speed up to 90 kilometres per hour

the seed is covered in a sticky substance that helps it stick to its new host

its evergreen colour is stolen from the chlorphyll from stealing water and minerals from the host tree

Stinking Corpse Flower:

Rafflesia arnoldii

world's largest flower

grows up to 1m

11 kilos

horrible smell

used to attract flies to pollinate it

unable to photosynthesis and instead gain nutrients by stealing it from the roots of nearby Tetrastigma vines

thrive in rainforests

buds are harvested and solf for medicinal properties

native to Malaysia and indonesia

thailand

a fly must land on a male flower, avoid being eaten and transport the pollen to a female flower in order to pollinate

if pollination is successful it produces a small fruit

squirrels and birds enjoy this fruit and help with seed dispersal

European Dodder:

Cuscata - native to Europe

has no roots or leaves

identifiable by its yellow/orange stems

stringy hair-like appearance

in the morning glory family

aggressive

will drain its host plant's nutrients until it has killed it

obligate parasite - cannot survive without a host

seedlings must find one within 5-10 days before running out of energy

senses nearby plants that make the best hosts and actively grow in their direction

notable parasite of alfalfa, a widespread crop

Asiatic Witchweed

Striga asiatica

annual parasitic weed of agricultural crops

originates from africa and south asia

obligate parasite - cannot develop independently

hairy stems, green

linear leaves

small red, white, yellow or purple flowers

the flowers give way to swollen seed pods that contain thousands of microscopic seeds per pod

reproduces by seed

can be used for treating intestinal parasites

can parasite important crops such as corn, sugar cane and rice

reduce yields and contaminate crops

[ankhanu]

Oh look! #Mistletoe . #Arceuthobium #plants #parasites #Endophytes #Picea (at Grand-Etang, Nova Scotia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6L7UjblPEw/?igshid=1pgyookokns00

[sensitivefern]

[The] lemon is a cross or hybrid of the citron. That fruit, which resembles a large lemon with rough skin and has a weak lemon flavor, originated on the Arabian peninsula and was brought to Persia, where the Romans first encountered them in about 500 BC... After the citron reached China around the fourth century AD, a freak variety developed in which the fruit separated into five lobes that resemble the fingers of a hand. In China, it was considered a symbol of happiness and eventually earned the name ‘Buddha’s hand’. The Jews cultivated this unique variety intensively for their religious festivals...

[Lemons: Growing, Cooking, Crafting]

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BALTIMORE, JANUARY 9, 1946. In Baltimore, at the moment, there is not a single decent beer-house. The last was Schellhase’s in Howard street, which still survives as a restaurant but began to close at 8 PM when the war razzle-dazzle began... His place, both before and immediately after Repeal, was a very pleasant place, and I went there many an evening at 10 o'clock and sat until midnight. He served the best beer obtainable, both imported and domestic, and offered very good light lunches at moderate prices. But now he has only the Anheuser-Busch beers on tap. Budweiser I can’t drink, for it is so hoppy that it gives me heartburn, and Michelob sells at 25 cents a seidel. Whether or not he will ever have German beer again remains to be seen; probably not, for most of the German and Bohemian breweries seem to have been destroyed in the war, and the imbeciles at Washington may be trusted to lay prohibitive duties on the beer of those that survive.

[H.L. Mencken]

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Live like a bourgeois, and think like a demigod.

There are two kinds of literature: one that I would call ‘national’ (the better of the two), and the other, ‘individual’ – works produced by gifted writers. For the first to be realized, there must be a fund of opinions shared by the mass of the people, a common bond such as does not now exist; and for the full development of the second, there must be liberty.

[Flaubert]

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Bin Ladin reportedly discussed the planes operation with KSM and Atef in a series of meetings in the spring of 1999... Bin Laden considered the basic idea feasible. Bin Ladin, Atef, and KSM developed an initial list of targets... No one else was involved in the initial selection of targets.

Bin Ladin also soon selected four individuals to serve as suicide operatives...

[The 9/11 Report]

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spider plant, mother of thousands | Chlorophytum ‘My rallying cry for using houseplants as container plants outdoors can easily be made here. Here’s a genus of classic houseplants that perform superbly outdoors’... the ‘spiders’ can be seen on the elongated inflorescences – ‘everyone takes delight in the baby spiders that hang from the mother’... spidie may be cut off and pinned down in a potting medium in a pot; keep it moist and exposed to bright light, but not direct sunlight... Chlorophytum amaniense ‘Fireflash’ simply ‘holds me spellbound every time I see it’ – looks like a spider with orange legs... Chlorophytum comosum is all green...

Chrysanthemum Out of all the thousands of varieties, the first choice for a container should be Chrysanthemum ‘Sheffield Pink’ (= ‘Single Apricot’, ‘Sheffield’)... ‘You might also find and like “Sheffield White” and “Sheffield Yellow” (which might arise as sports on your Sheffield; try rooting the sported shoots, but keep your fingers crossed)’... Also: ‘Cambodian Queen’, ‘Clara Curtis’, ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’, ‘Emperor of China’, ‘Mary Stoker’, and ‘Mei-Kyo’... ‘Cultural tips: one pinch early in the season can’t hurt. i feel that staking these robs them of much of their charm’...

[Encyclopedia of Container Plants]

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Aug 21 [1853]. 6 AM – To Island by boat. Aster macrophyllus. Appear not to blossom generally this year. [...] That which I had mistaken for Mentha Canadensis at Mrs. Hosmer’s brook is apparently M. piperita, or peppermint, naturalized. It may have been in bloom a fortnight... What I take to be Aster patens is a handsome light-blue aster, not abundant on the hillside by J. Hosmer’s pines. The choke-cherries, which are now, and have been for some time, as ripe as they will be, actually fur the mouth... They are a rich, fatty-looking fruit.

[Thoreau, Journal]

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western dwarf mistletoe | Arceuthobium ‘Unlike common mistletoe, which is spread only by birds, it has an “explosive” seed, which is shot out of its casing as far as 50 feet’... dwarf mistletoes have been found as far east as Connecticut...

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❚Harry Shearer What ever happened to creepy clown sightings?

Ringling Bros. circus to end 'Greatest Show on Earth' after 146 years

Fragile Internet Racists In Turmoil Over Black Lady Liberty Coin

How the World’s Oldest Computer Worked: Reconstructing the 2,200-Year-Old Antikythera Mechanism

[oregonianwisconsinite-blog]

Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp) is one of the few plants that gross me out.  The way it burrows into its host and crawls back out actually makes me a little bit nauseous. 

- Mary’s Peak, OR, USA. 9/23/15

[by-jessica-achillea]

Masterlist of Mistletoe Species (Arceuthobium) (Korthalsella) (Loranthus)(Phoradendron) (Viscum)

The name “mistletoe” refers to various species across different genera. While Viscum is a well-known genus of mistletoe, there are other genera as well. Below is a list of the notable species of mistletoe, including those in the Viscum genus, Loranthus, and others: Arceuthobium Korthalsella Loranthus Phoradendron Viscum Key of Information Please refer to the main article here (fix…