Semiparasite (Noun)
Meaning
A parasitic plant that contains some chlorophyll and therefore is capable of photosynthesis.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Mistletoe is a semiparasite that grows on the branches of its host tree and obtains water and nutrients by tapping into the tree's vascular system.
- The Indian pipe plant is a semiparasite that obtains its nutrients by parasitizing fungi associated with the roots of photosynthetic plants.
- Hemlock dwarf mistletoe is a semiparasite that infects trees in the western United States and Canada, including western hemlock and fir.
- Dodder is a semiparasite that wraps itself around its host plant and obtains water and nutrients by connecting to the host's vascular tissue.
- A few species of Indian paintbrush are semiparasites that tap into the roots of grasses and other plants to obtain some of their nutrients.