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Mistletoe shortage could ruin Christmas kissing
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by Amy Judd | December 5, 2008 at 10:00 am
699 views | 48 Recommendations | 13 comments
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A potential Mistletoe shortage could ruin the age old tradition of Christmas kissing, as the plant is in danger due to current farming methods.
Due to a loss of ancient orchards and differing harvesting methods only the female plant with the berries is being picked so the plant is dwindling.
This year however, the stock is safe, but future stocks could be in trouble if something does not change.
But the future is in doubt. England's apple orchards, mistletoe's favoured habitat, have declined by 57 per cent in the past 50 years.
Jonathan Briggs, an ecologist, said the way the plant is cut for sale is also a threat.
Harvesters cut only the female plant, which has berries, leaving the male plant that will continue to grow and ultimately poison the tree.
"The Christmas market was previously a way for farmers to make a bit of money from something they did anyway,'' he said. "These days, only the stuff with berries is cut and everything else is left.''
Without action now, Mr Briggs said mistletoe may not survive.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (13)
at 10:26 on December 5th, 2008
I guess I'll just have to replace my mistletoe with a more a sustainable hanging plant~ bummer.
at 10:46 on December 5th, 2008
Oh no! What about future generations?!
at 10:49 on December 5th, 2008
There is an opportunity for a business Idea.
at 10:56 on December 5th, 2008
I live in Switzerland and mistletoe is something we often see growing in the trees, especially in Winter when the leaves have fallen. I did not realise that it was becoming so rare.
at 13:46 on December 5th, 2008
Perhaps some mistletoe letterpressed on tree free paper could encourage some kissing!
at 15:30 on December 5th, 2008
This tragic ! Even though I never need mistletoe either ...
at 17:51 on December 5th, 2008
Come to think of it, the mistletoe that hung in our house each year was plastic.
at 07:54 on December 6th, 2008
That was for the dolls and toy soldiers.
at 07:53 on December 6th, 2008
I use mistletoe DAILY. But, luck for me, that's because all the live oaks where I live have plenty of the stuff. All you have to do is walk outside.
at 10:35 on December 7th, 2008
(raises one eyebrow)
Who would have thought with the shape the world is in now that there would be a shortage of a parasite?
at 16:15 on December 7th, 2008
'Twas parasites who caused the problem. ;->
at 16:28 on December 7th, 2008
[chuckle]
at 05:39 on December 8th, 2008
This is not good. We have to make sure we have mistletoes.