Throughout time and man's existence, many great and wonderful things have been discovered and studied in great detail by powerful scientists and thinkers, such as Leonardo Vinci, Gregor Mendel, or even one of our founding fathers Benjamin Franklin. The many wonderful scientists of our history have also discovered vast information and uses for previously insignificant plants, fungi, and parasites through their study and perseverance. It is thanks to the work of these wonderful people that we have unlocked the secrets of objects here on Earth. This is also the reason why many cultures have developed the habit of considering certain plants sacred and holy because of their use or appearance. There are unfortunately many plants and pests that have not found a good role in today's society, one of the most important being the famous mistletoe. Mistletoe is used in medicine and traditions, however, practical use is present in modern times. Before we can even discuss mistletoe, you first need to at least know what it is, what it looks like, and what it does. There are many types and breeds of mistletoe, but the best known are dwarf mistletoe and European mistletoe. You also may not know exactly what a mistletoe looks like, so I found a good description of what it is according to The Raintree Illustrated Science Encyclopedia, “Mistletoe has long, forked branches with opposite oval leaves ." Mistletoe is also said to create a unique type of roots called haustoria. They then explain that they plant their roots inside another plant and steal some of its nutrients, which doesn't exactly classify them as a plant. What's even more interesting is that mistletoe also goes through photosynthesis, which means it absorbs... middle of paper ......ndation for Natural Cures, Inc." Joan Valentine. Burnett Entertainment, 2012. Web April 30, 2014. Kluwer, Wolters. "Mistletoe Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects - Drugs.com Herbal Database." Mistletoe Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects - Herbal Database." from Plant Drugs.com Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc, 2009. Web. May 2, 2014. Malcom, Noel. “Blood and Mistletoe: Ronald Hutton's History of the Druids” The Telegraph Media Group, 17. May 2009. Web April 30, 2014. Original origin unknown. The Death of Baldur - Norse Mythology for Intelligent People. Dan McCoy, 2013. Web. April 30, 2014. Various scientific contributors. The Raintree Illustrated Science Encyclopedia. Milwaukee: Raintree 1984. Print. West, Larry. “Mistletoe – Fun Facts About Mistletoe.” About.com Environmental Issues, 2014. Web April 30.. 2014.