Birdlime, Mistletoe, European mistletoe
Viscum album

Family: Santalaceae

What it is like

A shrub which grows as a parasite on other plants. The leaves do not have stalks. They are oblong and wedge shaped. They have 2-5 veins along it. The flowers are reddish. The fruit are oval. They are white and transparent.

There are 60-70 Viscum species. This is the traditional European mistletoe. It is used in Christmas decorations. It has also been put in the family Loranthaceae and family Viscaceae. It has proven anticancer properties. (Iscador)

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 600-2300 m altitude. In Pakistan it grows up to 3,000 m altitude. It grows on tree trunks. It is a parasite on Horse-chestnut, Willow, Apricot, Poplar and walnut.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Andorra, Asia, Balkans, East Africa, Europe, Himalayas, India, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Africa, Pakistan, Spain, Zambia

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are edible raw. They are chewed by children as a substitute for chewing gum. The leaves are used to taste alcohol.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ahalu, Ainjeru, Amalas, Ban, Banda, Bang, Bhangra, Chula-ka-banda, Gandhamadini, Hadchud, Hadjoda, Harchur, Harchur, Harjor, Hasurubadanika, Hurchu, Jiwantika, Kabhbang, Kyibaung, Muerdago, Reori, Rini, Sanohatchur

Synonyms

Viscum stellatum Buch.-Ham ex D. Don; Viscum costatum Gamble;