Explain the types of parasitic mode of nutrition in angiosperms.

Explanation

Parasitic mode of nutrition in angiosperms :
Organisms deriving their nutrients from another organism (host) and causing disease to the host are called parasites.
a. Obigate or Total parasite - Completely depends on host for their survival and produces haustoria.
i. Total stem parasite : The leafless stem twine around the host and produce haustoria. Example : Cuscuta (Dodder) , a rootless plant growing on Zizyphus, Citrus and so on.
ii. Total stem parasite : They do not have stem axis and grow in the roots of host plants produce haustoria. Example : Rafflesia, Orobanche and Balanophora.
b. Partial parasite : Plants of this group contain chlorophyll and synthesize carbohydrates. water and mineral requirements are dependent on host plant.
i. Partial stem parasite : Example : Loranthus and Viscum (Mistletoe) Loranthus grows on fig and mango trees and absorb water and minerals from xylem.
ii. Partial root parasite : Example : Santalum album (Sandal wood tree) in its juvenile stage produces haustoria which grows on roots of many plants.