Haustoria

Some plants, such as dodders, broomrapes, and pine drops do not have chlorophyll. They will parasitize other plants and utilize their chlorophyll and food making abilities. The parasitic mechanism involves rootlike projections called haustoria (singular haustorium). These projections develop along stems that are in contact with the host. They will penetrate the outer tissues of the host plant and will tap into the water and food conducting tissues (xylem and phloem). Other plants with chlorophyll, such as mistletoes, will also form haustoria in order to obtain water and dissolved minerals from host plants. They are capable of producing their own food and thus are considered to be partially parasitic.