PARASITISM IN PHOLISMA (LENNOACEAE). I. EXTERNAL MORPHOLOGY OF SUBTERRANEAN ORGANS

The external features of the subterranean organs of coastal Californian Pholisma depressum Greene are described. A dimorphic root system exists. Long, stout roots (pilot roots) serve for vegetative propagation in reaching other host roots. Short, unbranching, more slender roots originating from the pilot roots are haustorial in function. Shoots seem to arise only on pilot roots. Host attachment is achieved through the direct transformation of the apical meristem of haustorial roots into the haustorial organ. The basal part of the shoot is also able to produce roots when near host roots, and may form lateral branch shoots either directly or after new haustorial connections are formed. Both types of roots arise endogenously. The invaded host root undergoes considerable hypertrophy. The intrusive organ itself forms a massive but irregular body. More than one haustorial root may enter even a small host root. Self parasitism may occur but is not common.