Question

Biggest flower belongs to a plant which is
A. Partial stem parasite
B. Partial root parasite
C. Total stem parasite
D. Total root parasite

Answer 1

The largest flower in the world is Rafflesia. The flower is characterized by the presence of enormous flowers, where the buds are developed from the ground. The flower exists in a parasitic relationship with the host plants. They also develop from the lower stems of the host plants. These flowers are commonly found in the seashores of Sri Lanka and Java.

Complete answer:
The biggest flower belongs to a plant which is a total root parasite. Due to its parasitic nature, Rafflesia flowers grow in close contact with the host plant. It exists as a total root parasite. Since it derives its nutrition from the host, it has a highly reduced vegetative part and has only basic cellular filaments. The filaments reside inside the body of the host plant. Here, the filaments are in close contact with the roots of the host plants.
i. In a plant which is a partial stem parasite, it depends on the host plant only for minerals and water and its place of inhabitation is the stem of the host plant. Hence, it has the name partial stem parasite. Mistletoe plant is an example which is a partial stem parasite.
ii. Partial root parasites are plants that are capable of producing their own food through the process of photosynthesis. It inhabits the roots of host plants for inorganic minerals and water. The example for this is the Sandalwood tree.
iii. Total stem parasites are plants that are unable to prepare its own food through photosynthesis, and are also incorporated into the host stem. The parasitic plants naturally get grafted into the host plants. The example of this type of parasite is Cuscuta.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: The plants producing Rafflesia flowers are known as Rafflesia arnoldii. These flowers and plants are poisonous in nature. It can cause several toxic effects. Even by touching, it may cause allergic reactions such as itching.