86 A TEXTBOOK OF BOTANY [On. Ill, 10 



nificant and inconspicuous part of the earth's vegetation. 

 Thus it is clear that their mode of life is far less successful 

 than that of green plants. There is, however, another 

 group of organisms of similar habit which has been more 

 successful in this respect, and that is the animals. They, 

 too, are parasitic or saprophytic upon plants, but have 



FIG. 61. Rafflesia Padma, of Java, parasitic on a root. (From Kerner.) 



this advantage, that possessing the power of free locomo- 

 tion, they are not confined for their food to single hosts, but 

 can take it from many. 



It might be supposed that in absence of chlorophyll, the 

 bright colors displayed by some Fungi, notably the brilliant 

 reds and yellows of poisonous toadstools, perhaps have part 

 in a food-making process. No evidence for such function 

 exists, and the significance of those colors is not known. 



The student may recall that the Mistletoe, a reputed para- 

 site, possesses chlorophyll. That plant, however, is only 

 a half parasite, for while taking water and minerals from the 

 host it makes its own food in its leaves. There are plants 



