Mistletoe (Viscum album); a brief review of its local status with recent observations on its insect associations and conservation problems

This paper reviews the established information on the distribution of mistletoe, its habitats and hosts, stressing how important our area is for the species. Conservation issues for mistletoe itself, particularly in relation to orchard loss, are discussed. Other, less well-known issues, are then reviewed, especially the increasing interest in mistletoe insects, and the conservation requirements of these. The difficulties in making generalisations, particularly when based on limited invertebrate data, are outlined. There is also a brief discussion of wider factors affecting mistletoe, including bird vectors and climate change.