Christisonia is a genus of parasitic plants characterized by their lack of chlorophyll, which necessitates deriving nutrients from host plants. These plants typically exhibit colorful, tubular flowers that emerge directly from the ground, often in shades of blue, purple, or yellow. The absence of traditional leaves and the presence of scaly, underground stems are adaptations for their subterranean, parasitic lifestyle, particularly thriving in moist, forested environments.