|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[The Nameless One] Captain
|
 Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 9:19 pm
 Name: Lihanma
Guardian: Nessylove
Day of Life: { DOB}
Gender: Female
Type: Plant
Poison: Mistletoe
Initial Exposure: Weakness, blurred vision
Medium Exposure: Vomiting, drowsiness, confusion
High Exposure: Hallucinations, convulsions, irregular heartbeat
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:15 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:24 pm
What is It?
Mistletoe is the common name for various parasitic plants in the order Santalales, belonging to the families Santalaceae, Loranthaceae and Misodendraceae. The species in Santalaceae were formerly commonly treated in a separate family Viscaceae.
The name was originally applied to Viscum album (European Mistletoe, Santalaceae; the only species native in Great Britain and much of Europe), and subsequently to other related species, including Phoradendron leucarpum (the Eastern Mistletoe of eastern North America, also Santalaceae). In an example of convergent evolution, several less related but superficially very similar plants in the Loranthaceae are also so similar that they have also been called mistletoes.
The European Mistletoe is readily recognized by its smooth-edged oval leaves in pairs along the woody stem, and waxy white berries in dense clusters of 2-6 together. American Mistletoe is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of ten or more berries together.
Mistletoe biodiversity is markedly higher in subtropical and tropical climates; Australia has 85 species, of which 71 are in Loranthaceae, and 14 in Santalaceae.
The species grow on a wide range of trees, and can eventually prove fatal to them where infestation is heavy, though damage more commonly only results in growth reduction. Most mistletoes are only partial parasites, bearing evergreen leaves that carry out some photosynthesis of their own, relying on the host mainly for mineral nutrients from the ground. The genus Arceuthobium (dwarf mistletoe; Santalaceae) has dispensed with even this, becoming a total parasite relying on its host plant for photosynthesis as well as nutrients.
Most mistletoes are spread by birds (e.g. the Mistle Thrush in Europe, and the Phainopepla in southwestern North America) which eat the berries. The seeds are egested in their droppings and stick to twigs, or more commonly the bird grips the fruit in its bill, squeezing the sticky coated seed out to the side, and then wiping its bill clean on a suitable branch. The seeds are coated with a sticky gum, viscin, which hardens and attaches the seed firmly to its future host.
The word 'mistletoe' is of uncertain etymology; it may be related to German Mist, another word for dung, but Old English mistel was also used for basil.
While historically often considered a pest that kills trees and devalues natural habitats, mistletoe has recently become recognized as an ecological keystone, an organism that has a disproportionately pervasive influence over its community.
Uses and Mythology
The leaves and young twigs are the parts used by herbalists, and it is popular in Europe, especially in Germany, for treating circulatory and respiratory system problems, and cancer.[1] [2]. Mistletoe is being studied as a potential treatment for tumors. Although such use is not yet permitted in the U.S., Mistletoe is prescribed in Europe [3] [4].
Mistletoe figured prominently in Norse mythology (whence the modern Western custom of kissing under bunches of it hung as holiday decorations). The god Baldur was killed with a weapon made of mistletoe. In Celtic mythology and in Druid rituals, it was considered an antidote to poison, but contact with its berries produces a rash similar to the poison ivy rash in people who are sensitive to it (as many are), so the whole plant came to be thought of as poisonous.
In Romanian traditions, mistletoe (vâsc in romanian) is considered as a source of good fortune. The medical and the supposed magical properties of the plant are still used, especially in rural areas. This custom is inherited from Dacians.
Mistletoe has sometimes been nick-named the "vampire plant" because it can probe beneath the tree bark to drain water and minerals, enabling it to survive during a drought (see vampirism). William Shakespeare gives it an unflattering reference in Titus Andronicus, Act II, Scene I: "Overcome with moss and baleful mistletoe"
Nowadays, mistletoe is commonly used as a Christmas decoration. Viscum album is used in Europe whereas Phoradendron leucarpum is used in North America. According to a custom of Christmas cheer, any two people who meet under a hanging of mistletoe are obliged to kiss.
Mistletoe was the official flower for the State of Oklahoma until 2004 when it was replaced by the Oklahoma Rose. Mistletoe however still serves as the state's official floral emblem.
The Druids cut the Mistletoe with a gold sickle and it lost its power if it fell and touched the ground. It was thought that the plant, being green all year around, contained the spirit or quiescent power of mother nature over the winter months. As stated, it is traditional to kiss under the mistletoe, however in previous times the tradition was that the couple took away a berry each time until they were all used up and at this point the mistletoe lost its vitality. The appearance and nature of the berry's contents is very similar or suggestive of human semen and this has strengthened its pagan connections.
Courtesy of Wikipedia.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:26 pm
Growing Up:;
See how beautiful she is? A proper, girly little thing. Watch out for her kisses though. I hear they're quite noxious!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:27 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 6:28 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 10:12 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2006 10:17 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![[The Nameless One]'s avatar](https://a1cdn.gaiaonline.com/dress-up/avatar/ava/4b/33/405515a332334b_flip.png?t=1248248986_6.00_00)
