Invisible Connections: An Introduction to Parasitic Plants

Plant-eating plants, or parasitic plants, are among the most misunderstood and fascinating members of the plant kingdom. In this presentation, Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp of Towson University introduces the remarkable diversity of plants that survive by tapping directly into other organisms for resources. This talk will explore how parasitic plants live and how they locate and establish connections with their hosts. Drawing on examples from forests, fields, and local Maryland landscapes, this talk examines what it truly means for a plant to be parasitic and how these hidden relationships influence ecosystems. From dramatic dodders to stealthy root parasites, attendees will gain a new perspective on plant interactions that usually go unseen.