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A fascinating parasitic plant found lurking in clusters around the bases of trees has optimized its living strategy so well it's been able to prune nearly a third of its genome.
Balanophora shed one third of its genes as it evolved into a streamlined parasitic plant—an extreme degree of genome shrinkage even among parasites—according to new research in Nature Plants. Along the way this subtropical plant developed the ability to induce the host plant to grow into the parasite’s own flesh—forming chimeric organs that mix host and parasite tissues.
Two parasitic plants in a new study are losing genes related to photosynthesis and other plant functions as they continue their food-sucking habits.
These mushroom-like flowers shed significant amounts of their core genes, including those related to photosynthesis, in order to achieve better synchronisation with its host plants.
Rather than simply taking nutrients from host plants using a haustorium, as seen in many parasitic species, Balanophora takes parasitism to another level