noun
- A plant that is parasitic on another plant but also produces its own food through photosynthesis, deriving only water and minerals from its host.
Usage: biology; botany
Examples
- Mistletoe is a common hemiparasite that grows on tree branches.
- Unlike true parasites, hemiparasites can survive independently because they photosynthesize.
- The hemiparasite obtains water and nutrients from its host plant's vascular system.
- Many hemiparasites are found in tropical and temperate forests.
- Scientists study hemiparasites to understand plant-host relationships in ecosystems.