Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) R. Wight an important medicinal plant occurring in sand dunes of Karak,N.W.F.P.,Pakistan

Cistanche tubulosa (schenk) r. wight of the family orobanchaceae has been found growing as a parasite for the first time on capparis decidua l (capparidaceae). it is reported for the first time from district karak (n.-w.f.p.) pakistan. it was also found growing on calligonum polygonoides l (polygonaceae),calotropis procera l. (asclepiadaceae) and tamarix indica willd (tamaricaceae). the seed germinates on the host root which is near the soil surface and produces haustoria which then penetrate into the deeper layers of the root i.e. to the centre of metaxylem to tap the nutrition from the host,where it is parenchymatous in nature. the nature and habit of both the host and parasite are described in detail.