Question

Which of the following is/are true for Loranthus?

• A. It makes its own food
• B. It takes water and minerals from the host plant
• C. It gets its nutrition from decayed organic remains
• D. Only for food, it depends on the plant on which it lives

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

It takes water and minerals from the host plant

Loranthus is a genus of parasitic plants that grow on the branches of woody trees. Some species of Loranthus are known to be parasitic. For instance, in Kerala, they grow to be a menace on mango trees (Mangifera indica). These plants grow predominantly on ageing trees, specifically, somewhere on the middle of old branches. Once fully developed, they obtain minerals and water from the host plant, as well as block sunlight by covering the encroached place.