The more is learned about plants and other organisms, the more apparent it is that many, if not most, plants are involved in symbiotic associations in which one or more other organisms live in close interaction with the plant almost as if they are one. Symbiosis is frequently thought of as being a mutualistic relationship in which both the plant and its symbiont benefit. Typical examples include the alga and fungus that make up lichen and the bacteria living in a legume root nodule. Commensalistic relationships, such as Spanish moss hanging from a live oak, are less commonly thought of; in this relationship, one plant obviously benefits, while the other seems to be little affected.
Parasitism is the third symbiotic condition, in which one plant benefits, but the other is harmed. Fungi are by far the most common parasites of plants; the study of these fungi is a major component of the science of plant pathology. Less common, but frequently well known, are some flowering plants, such as mistletoe, that parasitize other plants.
Haustorium
The defining feature of parasitic plants is the presence of a haustorium.
Continue of the article: Haustorium
Fungal Parasites
Fungal parasites are among the most destructive diseases of plants.
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Angiosperm Parasites
Among vascular plants, parasites are limited to about twelve families of dicots.
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Origin of Parasitism
It is generally believed that parasites evolved from "normal" plants.
Continue of the article: Origin of Parasitism
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