The Saudi Arabian parasitic flora includes at least 13 genera, from 8 different families. They vary from Obligate parasites, Facultative parasites, Stem parasites, Root parasites, Holoparasites and Hemiparasites. Some of these families are completely parasitic, e.g. Cuscutaceae while in others the life cycle of some genera lead autotrophic method of nutrition and some are either total or partial parasites, e.g. Lauraceae. Though the parasites are less significant as far as the flora of the Kingdom is concerned, species belonging to this group are extremely interesting due to their morphological and physiological adaptations. The flora of Saudi Arabia contains about 32 species of total or partial parasites that are native or introduced to the Kingdom. Majority of species are found in the southwestern region, except Orobanchaceae and Cuscutaceae.

The many species of mistletoes, belonging to Viscaceae and Loranthaceae, comprise about three-quarters of all parasitic species. Several other families of parasitic flowering plants are also well-known, especially the broomrapes (Orobanchaceae) and dodders (Cuscutaceae). Members of the Loranthaceae are mainly found on species such as Acacia spp. and Maerua crassifolia. Three species have been reported under Viscaceae, of which Viscum schimperi is a leafless plant. Dodder (Cuscuta spp.) and mistletoes (Viscum spp.) are serious problems for plants. Cuscuta is common weed in several agriculture fields and damage certain economically important crop plants. Members of Loranthaceae and Viscum species in southwestern mountains are often found abundant on tree branches; sometimes mask the identity of the host plant or even kill the host plant.