Hemiparasitic

/ˌhɛmɪpærəˈsɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Describing a plant or organism that exhibits hemiparasitism, obtaining some resources parasitically while remaining partially self-sufficient.

Etymology

From hemiparasite (Greek hemi- + parasite) + -ic (adjectival suffix), describing the nature of partial parasitism.

Kelly Says

Some plants are hemiparasitic con-artists: they produce leaves and flowers like normal plants, but about 30% of their water comes from siphoning into their host plant's vascular system.

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