Invisible Connections an Introduction to Parasitic Plants

Plant-eating plants, or parasitic plants, are among the most misunderstood and fascinating members of the plant kingdom. In this presentation, Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp of Towson University introduces the remarkable diversity of plants that survive by tapping directly into other organisms for resources. This talk will explore how parasitic plants live and how they locate and establish connections with their hosts. Drawing on examples from forests, fields, and local Maryland landscapes, this talk examines what it truly means for a plant to be parasitic and how these hidden relationships influence ecosystems. From dramatic dodders to stealthy root parasites, attendees will gain a new perspective on plant interactions that usually go unseen.

Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University. She earned her BS in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and her PhD in Plant Biology from Arizona State University. Her research interests focus on plant community ecology, particularly the effects of invasive plant species on community diversity and successional processes. She also works on projects related to forest and stream restoration and the impact of deer on local forests. A significant portion of her research program addresses practical applications concerning the management, conservation, and restoration of plant communities.