**6. Conclusion**

Parasitic plants play a vital role in plant communities, and their diversity is quite huge, with various species inhabiting the different ecosystems in Nigeria. The study and management of parasites have historically focused on controlling and even eliminating parasite populations. Although some parasitic plant species are important pests of human agriculture and forestry, many are highly valued for food and wood and their medicinal properties. The current chapter provides an update on the various potential uses of parasitic plants in Nigeria from an ethnobotanical perspective. Therefore it is important to look beyond just their economic implications and approach the conservation of parasitic plants holistically. Next time you walk along nature trails in the forest, look out for some stem parasites on the branches of trees and root parasites at the base of host plants.
