3 ms·
> Balanophora induces the vascular system of their host plant to grow into a tuber, forming a unique underground organ with mixed host-parasite tissue. This chi
by mock-possum 3y ago
> Balanophora induces the vascular system of their host plant to grow into a tuber, forming a unique underground organ with mixed host-parasite tissue. This chimeric tuber is the interface where Balanophora steals nutrients from its host plant.
Cool.
- yawnxyz 3y agoSo basically it forces the host to make something like… potatoes? Is it edible? Does it taste good? Is this a new way to engineer random plants to make potatoes for us?
- minitoar 3y agoInteresting. I would like an onion potato.
- rad_gruchalski 3y agoAnd sour cream, with a sprinkle on steak pepper.
- ceejayoz 3y agoYou want to... eat the parasite that convinces its host to grow new weird parts?
- deleted 3y ago[deleted]
- rubatuga 3y agoNothing that stops parasites from being tasty or nutritious! Unless it's tapeworms!