Haustorien
Haustorien is the plural form of haustorium, a botanical and mycological term for a specialized feeding structure formed by certain parasitic fungi, oomycetes, and parasitic plants. Haustoria enable the parasite to connect with the host’s tissues and extract water, ions, sugars, and other nutrients necessary for growth. In English usage, the plural haustoria is common, while in German contexts the term Haustorien is used.
In fungi and oomycetes, haustoria develop at the interface with the host and typically invade host tissue.
Parasitic plants such as Cuscuta (dodders) and Orobanche (broomrapes) also form haustoria. In these plants, haustoria
Ecological and agricultural relevance is high, as haustoria underpin the success of many pathogens and parasites.