What is a host plant?

A plant upon which an organism (such as an insect) lodges and subsists, i.e. The plant that the butterfly will lay its egg on and the caterpillar will later eat. Examples of host relationships are:

  • Black Swallowtail - golden alexanders
  • Monarch and The Queen - milkweed
  • Pipevine Swallowtail - pipevine, snakeroot, and knot vine

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1. How does pollination occur?
2. What are examples of pollinating animals?
3. Why are pollinators important?
4. What is a host plant?