Question

The smallest angiosperm/dicot parasite is?
A. Arceuthobium
B. Wolffia
C. Cassytha
D. Rafflesia

Answer 1

Parasites are organisms that feed on some other organism causing harm to it. Parasitic infections may lead to a total deterioration of the host system. Angiosperm parasites target flower producing plants.

Complete answer: The Angiosperms form the largest group of terrestrial plants that produce seeds enclosed in the endosperm, flowers, and fruits. Reproduction majorly takes place through flowers. The Angiosperms are greatly vulnerable to many parasitic infections. The Angiospermic parasites are parasitic plants that climb or suck over the host Angiosperm and derive their nutrition from them. This causes discoloration, deterioration, or even death of the host Angiosperm.
There are various Angiospermic parasites like Arceuthobium , Cassytha , etc. Arceuthobium or dwarf mistletoe is the smallest of all angiosperm parasites. It is found majorly growing over pine trees. It is about 5 mm to 8mm in length. They have reduced roots and shoots that are mostly reduced to scales. The parasite lives under the host’s bark. The parasite is dioecious. This means that the Arceuthobium plant can either bear male or female organs.
Cassytha is also a parasitic plant. It is a climber parasite that ranges about 2 to 5 m in size. Wolffia is the smallest known angiosperm. It has a size of 2 mm but it is not a parasitic plant. Rafflesia is a parasitic plant. It is a root parasite that develops the world’s largest known flower.
So, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Arceuthobium causes serious infection by reducing tree growth, premature mortality, reduced wood, and an increase in pathogenic susceptibility. The parasitism is generally seen in wild environments. Small bulb-like plant bodies usually yellow in color are the characteristic features of this parasite.