Loranthaceae
An order of evergreen shrubs, parasitic on the wood of other Dicotyledons, sometimes appearing epiphytal, and emitting roots, which creep over the branches of the infested tree. Flowers sometimes imperfect, small, inconspicuous, whitish or greenish; sometimes perfect, brightly coloured, variously arranged. Leaves opposite, rarely alternate or whorled, thick, coriaceous, entire. Loranthaceae are mostly tropical, but some inhabit temperate and cool regions of the Northern and Southern temperate latitudes. The fruit of this order contains Birdlime, a peculiar viscous, tenacious, and elastic substance. Mistletoe (Viscum album) was formerly worshipped by the Gauls; it was also held sacred by the Druids. There are about thirteen genera and 500 species. Examples: Loranthus, Viscum.