The enigmatic and much maligned mistletoes are native parasitic plants that are the focus of a new exhibition in Albury, starting this Saturday 10 December. “The mistletoes’ bizarre ways of life, variation in form and interactions with animals have inspired artists and scientists alike,” said CSU ecologist and mistletoe researcher Associate Professor David Watson. A recent book written by Professor Watson provides insights into mistletoe's secrets. A botanical artist visiting CSU, Ms Robyn Hulley, has produced watercolour pictures showcasing the mistletoes’ variation in form, their striking flowers, and resemblance to their host plants. The exhibition includes a selection of plates of Ms Hulley’s illustrations, and textile costumes by artist Ms Rebecca Mayo. Ms Mayo has used the mistletoes to explore ideas about women, families and values from a past era. The exhibition, Mistletoe Menace, will continue until Sunday, 12 February 2012 in the Albury LibraryMuseum, Kiewa Street in Albury.