Tag: know the plant world closely

Epiphytes are plants that grow attached to other plants. Epiphytes and climbing plants have aerial roots that anchor the plant to the bark, branch or another surface on which it grows. Aerial roots of some epiphytes are specialized not only for anchorage but some have photosynthetic roots (some epiphytic orchids), some absorb water. Some parasitic epiphytes, such as mistletoe (Phorodendron sp, etc.), have roots that penetrate the host plant tissues and absorb nutrients.

Rafflesia is an example of the obligate root parasites. These parasites are organism which cannot complete its life cycle without a host. It is done with the help of an absorptive organ, the haustorium.

Parasitic plants obtain their nutritional requirements from a host plant. 

A bacteria or fungi that lives within in a plant within the intercellular spaces, tissue cavities, or vascular bundles without harming the host is called as endophytes. They often benefit the host.

Parasitic plants are those which depend on other plants for their food either completely or incompletely. These plants produce a special organ called haustorium which produce adventitious roots to absorb food and nutrients.

So the correct option is D.