On top of the picture is a cross-section of the parasite Cassytha
ciliolata, a bindweed. It seems to sit on top of its host (Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis) that is shown in cross-section, too. The bindweed
has penetrated the host's tissue with a sucker (haustorium). The
sucker is the only part of the specimen that has been cut in a
longitudinal section (in the middle of the picture). The sucker
makes a contact between the host's and the parasite's conducting
tissue. The picture has been taken with a light microscope
(U.
HOFFMANN, R. KOLLMANN, 1980).
