Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

Researchers find how plants survive without sunlight or sex


The study reveals how Balanophora plants function despite abandoning photosynthesis and, in some species, sexual reproduction. Their plastid genomes shrank dramatically in a shared ancestor, yet the plastids remain vital. Asexual reproduction appears to have evolved repeatedly, helping the plants survive in isolated, humid forest habitats. The research highlights surprising resilience in these bizarre parasitic species.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of Researchers

Researchers

Photo of Sex

Sex

Photo of plants

plants

Related news:

News photo

Heat signaling from plants is an ancient pollinator signal - EurekAlert!

News photo

Mosquitoes use it to suck blood. Researchers used it to 3-D print

News photo

Researchers map Africa’s snaring crisis, calling for sustainable solutions - EurekAlert!