Hemiparasites are a type of plant that can photosynthesize but also rely on other plants for water and nutrients. They attach themselves to the host plant's tissues using specialized structures called haustoria, which allow them to draw resources from the host while still producing some of their own food through sunlight. Common examples of hemiparasites include mistletoe and Indian paintbrush. These plants can often be found in various ecosystems, where they play a role in nutrient cycling. While they can benefit from their hosts, hemiparasites can also weaken them, potentially affecting the overall health of the ecosystem.