Parasite:
- An organism that depends on other organisms for food, shelter, etc.
- The other organism on which they depend is known as the host.
- They can be partially dependent (partial parasite) or completely dependent.
Mistletoe:
- It has unique roots used to derive water and minerals from the host.
- The food is made by the plant itself.
- Therefore it is a partial parasite.
Mistletoe is a parasite. It is a partial parasite.