hemiparasite

/ ˌhɛmɪˌpærəˈsɪtɪk; ˌhɛmɪˈpærɪˌsaɪt /

noun

1. a parasitic plant, such as mistletoe, that carries out photosynthesis but also obtains food from its host
2. an organism that can live independently or parasitically

hemiparasite

/ hĕm′ĭ-păr′ə-sīt′ /

1. A plant, such as mistletoe, that obtains some nourishment from its host but also carries on photosynthesis.

Derived Forms

• hemiparasitic, adjective

Example Sentences

The flower is also what’s called a “hemiparasite,” said Del Brummet, head gardener of Seattle’s Elisabeth Miller Botanical Garden.

From Seattle Times