Contents: generalized life cycle; sexual reproductive biology; mechanism and trends of evolution; biogeography and paleogeographic history; host relationships; ecological relationships; biotic associates; host-parasite physiology; anatomy of the dwarf mistletoe shoot system; endophytic system; pathogenic effects; control; systematics: philosophy, problems, and criteria for classification; molecular systematics; formal taxonomy. Extensive bibliography. Scientific and common names; collecting and curating techniques; herbaria consulted; specimens examined; glossary; subject and species indexes.

Parasitic flowering plants are strikingly impressive and beautiful and hold many surprises of both general and scientific interest. Parasites also have great influence on the quality of human life when attacking crop plants. Some parasites have since early times appealed to our imagination and have been part of religious or folkloristic events and used as gifts to royalties. This beautifully illustrated book covers all parasitic families and most of the genera. It also discusses the establishment of the parasite, the structure and function of the nutrient absorption organ (haustorium), and how the parasites are pollinated and dispersed as well as their ecology, hosts, and evolution. The book is written in a mostly non-technical language and is provided with a glossary and explanatory boxes. For additional information about this book, including some sample photographs, as well as a list of corrections that have been incorporated in the 2011 reprint, please visit the author's web site. Parasitic Flowering Plants was nominated by The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries for the 2010 Annual Award for a Significant Work in Botanical or Horticular Literature, in the category ‘Technical Interest’. More information.