A Bird’s Eye View of Parasitic Angiosperms in Rajasthan, India

A Bird’s Eye View of Parasitic Angiosperms in Rajasthan, India

Khushboo Sharma and Aparna Pareek

Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302004

Abstract:

Parasitic plants may be harmful or beneficial. They are mainly viewed as pests because many plant species of angiospermic parasites cause serious damage to agriculture and forestry. Some parasitic plants exert positive effects on natural ecosystems and human society. Parasitic flowering plants intensify nutrient cycling and provide assets for other organisms thus contributing to facilitation cascades in ecosystems. Many parasitic plants have medicinal importance against a broad range of diseases. These plants are generally used in both folk and modern medicines. They have been cultivated for their products and aesthetic values. Harmful effects of parasitic angiosperms on individual hosts suppress community dominants that include invasive species, reducing competitive pressure that may increase biodiversity. An effort has been made to review the parasitic angiosperms of India in general and Rajasthan in particular.