Mistletoe might seem like a festive holiday plant, but its real story is far stranger - and more sinister. In this episode, we uncover the explosive, poisonous, and parasitic truth about mistletoe.

Mistletoes are a diverse group of semi-parasitic plants that establish enduring relationships with a variety of host trees. Their unique biology, characterised by haemiparasitism, enables them to ...

Mistletoe has a long-standing tradition during the holiday season. We hear about it in songs and see it at parties. Some may run under the mistletoe for a kiss, while others run from it.

Mistletoe has a long-standing tradition during the holiday season. We hear about it in songs and see it at parties. Some may run under the mistletoe for a kiss, while others run from it. Other than ...

Mistletoe has a long-standing tradition during the holiday season. We hear about it in songs and see it at parties. Some may run under the mistletoe for a kiss, while others run from it. Other than ...

Some plants display animal-like behaviors. Sundew hunts insects. Skunk cabbage generates heat. Witchweed steals nutrients. Mirror orchid mimics insects. Rafflesia smells like rotting flesh ...

Though the plants weren't in great shape, their presence gave conservationists hope. Te pua o te Rēinga is Aotearoa's only ...