The word "parasite" means - existing at the expense of others. Moreover , this organism itself does not produce useful substances. In nature, there is a huge number of living organisms, namely plants that feed on substances synthesized by other representatives of the flora. This way of survival has been around for quite some time. It occupies a special place in ecosystems.
Parasite plants are represented in large numbers. They are striking in their degree of adaptability to the environment and to such a way of life.
One of the brightest representatives of this species is the Peter Cross. As soon as the snow melts, this plant begins to grow rapidly. It has pink inflorescences and resembles a candle. This plant is not capable of photosynthesis and therefore has no leaves and stems of green color. Peter's cross grows on the roots of trees (alder, poplar, hazel). Its root system, consisting of white branched roots, grows together with the roots of the tree. It can reach quite large sizes. Its roots are covered with flakes arranged crosswise. Therefore, it is called that. This plant can be seen only in the spring. Its seeds quickly ripen and crumble.
Another representative of the family, which make up parasitic plants, is the emerald. It is widely distributed in the forests of our country. This plant also does not have green leaves and, accordingly, does not form chlorophyll. The name indicates that it can be found mainly in coniferous forests. The emerald has a pale yellow color, a stalk covered with scales, and inflorescences of flowers.
It feeds on the mycelium of mycorrhizal fungi. In this regard, it can be found in the midst of mushroom picking. The mushroom picker feeds the coniferous tree, and that, in turn, is a food source for the alpine forest, supplying it with the beneficial substances of mycorrhiza.
Some orchids are also parasite plants. They dispense with chlorophyll and lead an underground lifestyle. Their nutrition is also due to mycelium.
Plants leading a parasitic lifestyle include leafless chin. This is a type of orchid that has the smell of a banana. This species is threatened with extinction, so it is very rare. It is strictly forbidden to pluck and even disturb the environment around the place of its growth.
You can also distinguish the group that make up the parasite broomrape plants. They are about 150 species. This plant is a danger to agriculture. It attaches to the roots of plants representing agricultural crops (sunflower, tomato, etc.)
Some parasite plants are attached not to the roots, but to the stems of another representative of the flora. For example, a dodger that has a small root until it finds a host plant. Then the need for it disappears. It eats at the expense of the host and subsequently has only a stem with flowers.
Mistletoe is a shrub parasite. This is an evergreen plant that can eat on its own. However, it leads a parasitic lifestyle and receives nutrients from trees. The mistletoe chooses poplar, apple tree, maple, and pine as a food source. This plant ripens juicy berries that are eaten by birds. This contributes to the spread of its seeds. Mistletoe is attached to the tree with the help of a suction cup, forming growths under the bark. However, despite this lifestyle, it does not harm the host plant. Mistletoe was even grown in pine trees, using it as an ornamental plant.
At home, it is almost impossible to grow a parasite plant. But in the wild, they look very beautiful and can make up pretty pretty compositions.