Thief Of The Tree...Mistletoe.

Photadendron  is the scientific name for mistletoe, meaning, 'Thief of  the Tree' in Greek. The word 'mistletoe' comes from an observation in Anglo-Saxon times as it often grew around bird poo, 'mistral' meaning' dung and 'tan' was twig. It's an important part of the eco-system as it's berries, leaves and nectar are food for birds, bees and butterflies, although the berries contain a poison. A 'kissing bough' was once hung high with mistletoe, as a popular decoration, long before Christmas trees were around. After a kiss, the men had to pluck a berry and when none were left, the kissing had to stop. Any lady who refused to be kissed was said to be punished by bad luck.  ( Not politically correct these days so maybe I should have said' gender neutral instead of men and ladies ! )