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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The roots of a parasitic plant penetrating through the bark into the xylem is a key characteristic that differentiates parasitic plants from epiphytic plants. Epiphytes typically do not harm their host and do not penetrate into the host's tissue, whereas parasitic plants do in order to extract nutrients.

While Hiking in a Forest, You Notice an Unusual Plant