Mistletoe, Viscum album (Santalaceae), in Britain and Ireland; a discussion and review of current status and trends

Abstract

The status of Viscum album L. (Mistletoe) in Britain and Ireland is discussed and current trends reviewed. An overview of life-cycle is given, including discussion of dispersal, germination and host connection, all aspects important in understanding status and trends. A summary of hosts and habitats is followed by a review of distribution; the long-established pattern in the south-west midlands plus recent and ongoing changes. The biodiversity value of mistletoe for other species is discussed. The seasonal mistletoe trade, its history and implications, is outlined. Some current conservation, control and planting projects are described. A brief summary of toxicity and medicinal uses is given. Concluding remarks outline various research opportunities; particularly those that would help understand and set a baseline to measure current and future trends.