Story perspectives

Ancient Parasitic Plant Reveals Secrets of Evolution

12/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

Balanophora, a non-green parasitic plant in East Asian forests, abandoned photosynthesis about 100 million years ago and now relies on host trees.
It has reduced plastids that conduct essential metabolism despite losing many genes.
Some Balanophora species reproduce asexually, enabling them to thrive in isolated environments.
The study notes vulnerability to habitat loss from logging and illegal collection.
The findings, published in New Phytologist, may illuminate evolution and ecosystem stability.

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Story summary

Balanophora, a non-green parasitic plant in East Asian forests, abandoned photosynthesis about 100 million years ago and now relies on host trees.
It has reduced plastids that conduct essential metabolism despite losing many genes.
Some Balanophora species reproduce asexually, enabling them to thrive in isolated environments.
The study notes vulnerability to habitat loss from logging and illegal collection.
The findings, published in New Phytologist, may illuminate evolution and ecosystem stability.