Maligned mistletoe
Mention mistletoe to some folk and they will cross themselves, produce wooden stakes, silver bullets, cloves of garlic and sprinkle holy water about liberally. The thought of a plant drawing on the bodily fluids of another plant for its survival conjures up images of herbaceous vampires sucking the life out of our trees. And lets face it being described scientifically as a parasite just doesn’t generate any good press.
However there are over 30 species of mistletoe found in SE Queensland. These plants may draw on the moisture and mineral reserves of their hosts but what many of us may not notice is what they give back to the greater ecological community and the many species of animals and insects that depend on them.
Mistletoes are spread by numerous animals and there is even a specialist Mistletoe Bird. These little birds have a specialised digestive system that passes the seed within a ½ hour (now that’s what you call regular!). The seed of mistletoe have a long sticky tail that passes through the digestive system. This long sticky tail requires that the little birds wipe their backsides on a branch as they pass the seed to completely pass the seed tail. This ensures that the seed is placed in the best position for it to grow, on a branch. The seed tail also helps it adhere to the branch.
There is also another intriguing set of animal – mistletoe relationships, with the Azure butterflies. These are exclusive mistletoe feeders and some also require the presence of specific ants. The butterflies provide food to the ants, secreted from glands on the caterpillars and in return the ants provide protection to the caterpillars. Some Azure caterpillars hide under bark, in borer holes or ant nests during the day and at night with their ant body guards may travel upto 40 metres, to mistletoes high up in eucalypts.
Amazingly the leaves of mistletoe often mimic those of their host. There are even mistletoes that only grow on other mistletoes’ such as the Golden Mistletoe. One mistletoe species that does make a living in our local rainforests is the Rainforest Mistletoe. These have very attractive red flowers that attract a variety of wildlife.
So next time you see a Mistletoe don’t panic – the apocalypse isn’t upon us. They are an important part of the intricate web of life and if we keep playing with the threads we will all come undone. It could even be argued that it is worthwhile “planting” mistletoes on our gardens and reveg’ plots to enhance diversity and return them to areas they have disappeared from through land clearing. But that’s another story.
In the Wild with Spencer Shaw
Ph 0428 130 769 spencer.shaw@brushturkey.com.au www.brushturkey.com.au
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