Contents
Description
Neohymenopogon parasiticus, commonly known as the parasitic neohymenopogon, is a plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This parasitic plant is native to Asia, where it thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. Neohymenopogon parasiticus is a heterotrophic plant, which means it is unable to photosynthesize and depends on other plants for its survival. It attaches itself to the roots of host plants and obtains nutrients and water through them.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukarya |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Tracheophyta |
Class | Magnoliopsida |
Order | Lamiales |
Family | Orobanchaceae |
Genus | Neohymenopogon |
Appearance
Neohymenopogon parasiticus has a thin stem that can grow up to 50 cm in length. The stem is greenish-yellow, cylindrical, and covered with small scales. The leaves of this plant are reduced to small scales that encircle the stem. Neohymenopogon parasiticus produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are purple or white in color. The flowers are arranged in spikes that emerge from the stem’s axils. The fruit of this plant is a small capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Neohymenopogon parasiticus requires little care, as it obtains its nutrients and water from the host plant. However, it is essential to select a suitable host plant for this parasitic plant to thrive. The host plant should be a species that grows well in the region and can provide the necessary nutrients and water. Neohymenopogon parasiticus prefers a warm and humid environment and grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. It does not tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C.
Water
Neohymenopogon parasiticus obtains water from the host plant and does not require additional watering.
Fertilization
Neohymenopogon parasiticus does not require fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from the host plant.
Soil
Neohymenopogon parasiticus does not require soil, as it attaches itself to the roots of the host plant.
Sunlight
Neohymenopogon parasiticus prefers partial to full shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight.
Hardiness Zones
Neohymenopogon parasiticus grows best in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Neohymenopogon parasiticus is not susceptible to pests or diseases, as it obtains its nutrients and water from the host plant.
Habitat
Neohymenopogon parasiticus is native to Asia and is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It attaches itself to the roots of the host plant and can be found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: What is Neohymenopogon parasiticus?
A: Neohymenopogon parasiticus is a parasitic plant species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family.
Q: What is the habitat of Neohymenopogon parasiticus?
A: Neohymenopogon parasiticus is native to Asia and is found in tropical and subtropical regions, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
Q: Does Neohymenopogon parasiticus require fertilization?
A: No, Neohymenopogon parasiticus does not require fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from the host plant.
Q: What is the appearance of Neohymenopogon parasiticus?
A: Neohymenopogon parasiticus has a thin stem, small scales for leaves, and small, inconspicuous flowers that are purple or white in color.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Orobanchaceae family:
- Orobanche
- Phelipanche
- Aeginetia
- Castilleja
- Epifagus
References
- Flora of China. (n.d.). Neohymenopogon parasiticus. Flora of China. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=250073660
- USDA. (n.d.). Neohymenopogon parasiticus. Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=NEPA4