When a plant acquires its nutrients from another plant, it often results in declined vigor or death of the host plant
Definition as written by Monocromatico:
There are two kinds of parasitic plants: the hemiparasites, and the holoparasites.
parasitic plant
A plant that gets it nutrients taking them from another plant, normally by attaching itself to the host plant.
part shade plant ...
parasitic plant
A plant which lives on, and acquires it's nutrients from another plant. This often results in declined vigor or death of the host plant.
peat moss ...
A non-parasitic plant that grows attached to another plant. They often have aerial roots to collect atmospheric moisture.
Epiphytic ...
Yet this semi-parasitic plant, common statewide, was first mentioned in the third century B.C. by Greek philosopher Theophrastis, and has a reputation almost worldwide.
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that can be found hanging in the branches of trees. It grows as a large bush, and it can be identified by its oval, green leaves and white berries.
In reality mistletoe is a semi parasitic plant that makes its own food but thrives on other living plants for water and nutrients. Because it does not have a root system, mistletoe feeds on a host tree using root-like projections called haustoria.
They are classified as a saprophyte, which is more or less a nice way of saying that they are parasitic plants.
When you hike, ski or camp in the Rockies next summer, look for a parasitic plant clinging to pine trees; likely it is dwarf mistletoe. For now, however, hang that leafy mistletoe and stay ready: The magic of Christmas may be about to begin! ...
haustorium A modified hyphal branch of a parasitic plant which grows into a host plant's cell to absorb food and water.
Yes this is true but there is a downside to mistletoe. It's a parasitic plant that lives off the host tree sucking all its nutrients and water from that tree. This can result in an unsightly tree, broken limbs and even death to the tree.
 See also: Parasitic, Plant, Flower, Branch, Host
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