While hiking in a forest, you notice an unusual plant growing on the branches of a tree. What will help you to determine if this plant is epiphytic or parasitic?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The roots of a parasitic plant will penetrate under the bark into the tree xylem, while the roots of an epiphytic plant will not. This is the best choice for determining if the plant is epiphytic or parasitic. Option A is incorrect as not all parasitic plants are non-green, some may be green in color. Option B is incorrect as epiphytic plants also grow on the trunk of a tree sometimes. Option D is incorrect as not all epiphytic plants have large water collecting leaves.

While Hiking in a Forest, You Notice an Unusual Plant