Why are some plants called parasitic plants?

We call somebody a parasite when the person takes advantage of another and uses him or her for the former’s gain and growth. A parasite lives on another organism, often a member of another species. The organism that is being exploited is known as the host.

Parasitic plants often lack roots for obtaining water. Sometimes, chlorophyll is also absent in these plants for photosynthesis. Therefore, these plants have to depend exclusively on their hosts for their sustenance. While parasites take everything from their hosts, they give nothing to them in return.

Some parasites are very choosy too. They do not stick on to every plant available. Some parasites live only on pines; whereas some others grow on junipers. However, most parasites are not fussy about their hosts. Sometimes, some parasitic plants will choose other parasites as their hosts! Mistletoe’s are sometimes found to be feeding on other Mistletoe!

 

Picture Credit : Google