Haustorium (Noun)
Meaning
A root-like attachment in parasitic plants that penetrates and obtains food from the host.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The dodder plant develops a haustorium that connects with the vascular tissue of its host plant, allowing it to obtain the nutrients it needs.
- A haustorium is formed by the parasitic plant when it comes into contact with its host, gradually penetrating the host's tissue and establishing a connection with its nutrient supply.
- The mistletoe's haustorium burrows deep into the bark of the host tree, siphoning off valuable resources and weakening the tree's overall health.
- In the course of its evolution, the Indian pipe plant developed a haustorium that allows it to tap into the fungal network surrounding the roots of nearby trees.
- The haustorium of the broomrape plant is highly specialized, capable of detecting and responding to chemical signals from its host plant to optimize nutrient uptake.