11 December 2025
6 min watch
Mistletoe: A parasite is for life, not just for Christmas
Nothing says Christmas cheer like a kiss under a poisonous parasite!
How much do you know about the iconic Christmas plant, mistletoe?
Join Kew expert Neil Alderson to learn about the parasitic secrets of mistletoe, and head into the Tropical nursery where he propagates Viscum capense by parasitising another plant.
Plus: Why did druids gathered mistletoe with a golden sickle? And why do we kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas?
Dig Deeper
Dig Deeper is an ongoing series that delves into the stories behind plants and fungi you know and love. Meet experts from Kew Gardens and Wakehurst, and dig a little deeper into foods, medicines and so much more from the floral and fungal world.