Question

Answer the following questions in your own words-
What is meant by Parasitic plants? Name their different types with examples of each.

Answer 1

A parasitic plant is different from other plants as it has some special features like it can feed on other insects and small organisms. It attracts the insects so that they can be trapped easily and then they feed on them. One example of a parasitic plant is the Pitcher plant. A pitcher plant is an insectivorous plant also known as a carnivorous plant. The type of plant eats insects and other small animals. They require nitrogen for their growth in soil and the nitrogen they get from insects they eat. Examples are Nepenthes , Sarracenia.

Complete Explanation:
Pitcher plants have long roots. Roots provide them water and nutrients for their efficient development. It’s a carnivore plant so it may or may not have roots. Particularly aquatic carnivorous plants never develop roots. Roots also help in anchorage of plants providing them strength and support to stand in the ground. So, as we discussed, roots cannot be the lid of a pitcher plant. pitcher plant is actually evolved from a modified leaf. So, the leaf forms the lid of the pitcher.
The apex of the leaf is the lid. The leaves are modified into the shape of a pitcher-like structure in order to trap its prey. When the insects sit on the edge of the lid, the lid closes slowly trapping the insect inside. The plant catches its prey in a cup filled with sweet liquid called nectar.
These are the secretions of the pitcher plant. This nectar attracts the insects and when the prey sits it slowly closes down resulting in falling prey in the liquid. Later the insect gets digested by the plant. pitcher plant flowers are commonly set up to attract insects so that they get trapped.
Example- Sarracenia purpurea , known as saddle flower or purple plant, are generally found in America. They are just a mode of attraction for preys. As we know, stems are meant for protection of plants providing support and does not allow predators to attack or any external damage. In the case of pitcher plants, they do not have stems in them. All they have is a leaf which forms a lid and helps in protection as well as catching the prey.

Note:
As we discussed so much about the parasitic plant, how each part of the plant functions in its survival and growth factors too. Nepenthes are found in countries like India and other hot regions. Sarracenia are found usually in colder regions like America. Pitcher plants are one the beautiful attractive plants which attract by opening its lid so that prey can be mistaken by nectar and gets killed.