Why does Mistletoe Grow on Trees?

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Mistletoe is a plant which grows on branches of higher trees. It is a partial parasite since it has green leaves containing chlorophyll and can make its own food by photosynthesis. It takes the water and minerals it needs from the sapwood of the host tree. It is found growing on trees like apple, hawthorn, willow, poplar and lime. The seeds of mistletoe are spread by birds and once the seed germinates on the host tree, it develops haustorium. The haustorium is a tough structure and ensures of a regular supply of water and nutrients from the sapwood of the host to the mistletoe. The plant then develops a clamp like structure on the tree to be placed firmly.

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