Figure 1.

Lifecycle of root parasitic plants. Seed dormancy release (usually called preconditioning) occurs when exposed to the proper environmental conditions (warm temperature and high moisture). Seed germination occurs upon detection of host germination stimulants by nondormant seeds. Seedlings develop haustoria when exposed to haustorium-inducing factors. The haustorium establishes a connection with the host vasculature, after which a seedling develops that grow belowground for several weeks until emergence. The emerged parasite develops aboveground, flowers, and produces seeds that contribute to the seed bank.