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Image Title: Hydnora africana
Image Credit: Sherwin Carlquist
Intended End User: Teacher, Student
License Details: BSA - Terms for Image Use
Copyright held by: Carlquist, BSA
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About the Image

A root of Euphorbia (white) growing alongside a Hydnora root has been "captured" at several points. The Euphorbia roots form pad like structures. The contacts between the Hydnora and the Euphorbia are thereby widened. The Euphorbia furnishes Hydnora with moisture, food, and all other substances. Hydnora is not green and is completely dependant on a host plant. Succulent underground portions of the Hydnora, however, may fragment and stay alive for indefinite periods of time. Those fragments may at some time be able to contact a Euphorbia root and begin growth again.

Return to the Hydnora africana page or the Parasitic Plant Index.

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