Page 22 - may2022

indigenous

Parasitic or half-parasitic, these plants attach
themselves to the host by means of a specialised
root-like structure known as a haustorium.
Although these plants can potentially kill
or harm other plants, they are not all bad,
and provide ecological benefits too.

Erianthemum dregei - (below right) the flowers and
fruit attract birds. The leaves are eaten by the
larvae of Mylothris agathina (butterfly).
Tapinanthus oleifolius - (top right) the plant is a host
to birds since it is one of the few plants that
flower in winter. It is eaten by browsers, especially
giraffes because it usually grows high up in trees.
Viscum verrucosum - (below left) mostly found on
Acacias, this plant is a leafless, densely branched
shrub-like plant, that is eaten by browsers,
reducing worm infestation.
Striga gesnerioides - (opp page) growing from a
tuber-like haustorium, this plant is mostly a root
parasite on legumes such as Indigofera, Tephrosia
and Vigna. Bee-flies and other insects feed on
the pollen but most research has been done on
how to eradicate this plant rather than on what
other mammals or insects feed on this plant.
pics & test by S.C

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