What are mistletoes classified as?

Mistletoes are classified as parasitic plants because they derive nutrients and water from their host plants, often at the expense of the host's health. Mistletoe attaches itself to the host's branches and forms a specialized structure called a haustorium, which penetrates the host's tissues to absorb vital resources. This characteristic distinguishes mistletoes as true parasites within the plant kingdom, as they have a direct dependence on their hosts for survival.

Other classifications, such as commensal organisms or ectoparasites, do not accurately describe mistletoes. Commensal organisms typically benefit from a host without harming it, while ectoparasites are external parasites that usually do not penetrate the host's tissues as mistletoes do. Additionally, mistletoes are not fungi; they belong to the plant kingdom and have distinct anatomical and physiological features that are characteristic of higher plants. This clear definition helps underline why mistletoes are categorized specifically as parasitic plants.