1. Plural of hemiparasite; plants that are partially parasitic, obtaining some nutrients from a host plant while also photosynthesizing and producing their own food.
Usage: biology; botany; technical

Examples

• Mistletoe is one of the most well-known hemiparasites, feeding on tree branches while maintaining its own green leaves.
• Hemiparasites differ from true parasites because they can survive independently through photosynthesis.
• Many hemiparasites have evolved specialized structures to attach to and extract water and minerals from their hosts.
• The study of hemiparasites helps botanists understand the spectrum of plant-host relationships in nature.
• Some hemiparasites can weaken their host plants over time, reducing growth and reproduction.