Hemiparasite (Noun)
Meaning
A parasitic plant that contains some chlorophyll and therefore is capable of photosynthesis.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Mistletoe is a classic example of a hemiparasite that grows on the branches of various tree species and obtains water and minerals from its host.
- Dwarf mistletoe is a hemiparasite that has evolved to infect coniferous trees and develops its own leaves for photosynthesis.
- The hemiparasite dodder is known to connect itself to nearby plants using thin threads and sucks out nutrients and water.
- In its early stages, Indian pipe plant is entirely dependent on its host fungi for nutrients, but as it matures into a hemiparasite, it starts producing its own chlorophyll.
- American beech drops, a type of hemiparasite, create its own chlorophyll but absorbs water and minerals from the American beech tree.