There are some 88 species of mistletoe in Australia. They are semi-parasitic plants that grow on the branches of host trees and shrubs.
Some mistletoes are very fussy and will only make their home on a particular species, whilst others are more promiscuous and will attach themselves to a variety of trees. It is rare that the presence of mistletoe does any serious harm to its host. After all, mistletoe is not entirely parasitic: it still uses its leaves for photosynthesis, even while it taps into the host for some additional nutrition.
Many birds and animals enjoy the fruits of the Mistletoe, but one is nattily designed to aid in the plants’ dispersal, the Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum). It has evolved to have an unusually intimate and important relationship with mistletoe plants.
Almost all birds release their droppings with their nether regions hanging over and beyond the branch they’re perched on. The Mistletoebird is the odd one out. When it feels the urge to go, it turns its body to face along the branch, thus ensuring that its business is deposited there, not on the ground.
And just to conclude the symbiotic relationship between Mistletoebirds and mistletoe plants, many berries eaten by the birds have a special coating that prevents the bird from digesting anything more than the outer fleshy part. The seeds themselves also have a sticky coating, some of which remains undigested. So when the bird does its business, it deposits the Mistletoe seed, complete with adhesive glue, in just the right place.
Next time you have a smooch under the mistletoe, spare a thought for the clever bird who’s private habits made that all possible.
Tony has worked as a filmmaker, artist, author, photographer and media lecturer. He has also been a Councillor on both the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils, as well as Mayor of Noosa.
