OKLAHOMA STATE FLOWERS

Phoradendron serotinum (Mistletoe) is the state flower of Oklahama. The genus Phoradendron consists of mostly 200 tropical species of American mistletoes. Mistletoes are found from the northern United States to central Argentina. Mistletoes are traditional decoratives during the Christmas season.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Tracheophyta

Class

Angiospermae

Order

Santales

Family

Loranthaceae

Genus

Phorodendron

Mistletoes live as semiparasites on other trees. The name of the genus Phoradendron is derived from the Greek 'phor' meaning a thief, and 'dendron', tree. Mistletoe flowers come as solitary blooms or in clusters in the leaf axils or at the ends of branches. Mistletoe's preferred habitat is in temperate zones and tropical regions. The Mistletoe flowers are usually radially symmetrical in form and bisexual in nature. Most of Mistletoe flowers will have sepals that barely develop. Mistletoe flowers have 2-3 petals that may be free or united. The stamens on the Mistletoe flowers number 2-3. All these parts are attached at the top of the ovary.

Facts About Mistletoes

• There are about 1,300 species of mistletoes found worldwide.
• The mistletoe shrubs are typically small, green-leaved and evergreen shrub.
• The mistletoe leaves are opposite on the stem, or may be whorled, and with no teeth and no lobes.
• The mistletoe leaves consist of one whole part, mostly leathery, or reduced to scales.
• Phoradendron serotinum is the common American Christmas mistletoe.
• Mistletoes penetrate the bark of the host tree and attach to the xylem by suckerlike organs called haustoria, which are modified roots for nourishment.
• Mistletoes sometimes cause very serious loss to certain trees where they are seen as semiparasites.
• Mistletoe plants carry on photosynthesis, but they extract water and nutrients from the host.
• The seeds of Mistletoes are spread by birds in their droppings and when they wipe their bills on to branches.
• Mistletoe may be toxic to livestock, and raw berries of Eastern species have proved fatal to children.
• Mistletoe flowers are attractive to butterflies and moths and other invertebrates and they serve as a source of nectar.
• The dense foliage of a mistletoe plant serves as secure nest or perching site (e.g. Regent Honeyeater).
• The fruits of mistletoes are covered with a sticky substance that is poisonous to humans, but relished by birds.
• Mistletoe fruits are also eaten by aborigines.
• Desert mistletoe - Phoradendron californicum, European mistletoe - Viscum album, also belong to the genus Phoradendron.
• Dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium spp.)are small, leafless, parasitic flowering plants, are a common problem in Colorado forests on ponderosa and lodgepole pine, which slowly kill the host by robbing its nutrients.

There are many online florists who deliver flowers to Oklahoma. You can send flowers, plants of your choice to your loved ones living in Oklahoma or from Oklahoma to other locations across the United States of America through these popular Oklahoma Online Florists.

Facts about Oklahama State

The capital city of Oklahoma is Oklahoma city. The first Oklahoma State flag was adopted in 1911.

• Nickname of Oklahoma is Sooner State.
• Oklahoma has a land area of about 69,919 square miles.
• Most of Oklahoma has a warm, dry climate.
• The world's largest air material center is at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahama.
• The world's largest single deposit of pure alabaster is found in the Alabaster caverns near Freedom, Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma has the distinction of having the highest hill in the world, Mount Cavanal, at 1,999 feet.
• Oklahoma is the third largest natural gas-producing state in the nation.
• The Crystal Bridge, The Oklahoma City Zoological Park, The Omniplex Science Museum, The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, The Oklahoma City National Memorial are some of the attractions of the state.
• Bordering states are Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
• Oklahoma has oil as its wealth, and income comes from crops.
• The chief manufactures of Oklahoma include nonelectrical machinery and fabricated metal products.