Host Associations of the Introduced Annual Root Hemiparasite Parentucellia viscosa in Agricultural and Bushland Settings in Western Australia

Populations of the introduced annual root hemiparasite, Parentucelliaviscosa (L.) Caruel (Scrophulariaceae), were examined in habitatswhere introduced, mixed introduced plus native, or solely nativespecies provided potential hosts. Presence of haustoria on hostroots confirmed parasitism of 17 introduced and ten native taxaacross the sites investigated. Paired plots, one with all hostsremoved early in the season, the other left intact, showed overallincreases in shoot dry matter of the parasites over 3 monthsof growth. Results indicated a substantial growth benefit tothe parasite from continued access to introduced and indigenousplant species, although the parasite continued growing to alimited extent after removal of hosts. Carbon isotope discriminationvalues (