Viscum album L.
Viscum album
A hemi-parasitic evergreen shrub that grows on the stems of various trees. It has a unique adaptation, the haustorium, which connects it to the host tree's xylem and phloem. This allows it to draw water, nutrients, and energy from the host tree. The stems are 30-100 cm long with dichotomous branching, and the leaves are opposite pairs, strap-shaped, entire, leathery, and yellowish-green in color. The flowers are inconspicuous and yellowish-green, while the fruit is a white or yellow berry with a sticky pulp containing one seed.
Details
Santalales
Santalaceae
Viscum
The plant contains the toxic lectin viscumin, which is a cytotoxic protein that inhibits protein synthesis by inactivating the 60S ribosomal subunit. It also lacks a functioning respiratory complex I, which is essential for energy production in most organisms, and relies on obtaining adenosine triphosphate from its host.
Mistletoe is commonly used in alternative medicine for treating circulatory and respiratory system problems, particularly in Europe. It has been studied for its potential in cancer treatment due to its ability to affect the immune system and kill certain types of cancer cells. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. It is also used in bird trapping due to the sticky juice of its berries, which can be made into birdlime. Additionally, it is an ingredient in biska, a pomace brandy-based liquor made in Istria.
Winter
30-100 cm
Yellowish-green
It is found on the crowns of broad-leaved trees, particularly apple, lime (linden), hawthorn, and poplar. It is native to Europe as well as to western and southern Asia.
Info
Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.
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