Wow, thanks for posting the pics and the info. My first thought was "impossible... that's where they get their nutrients"... but the parasitic nature answers that.
With so few in existence I wonder if those that track them (and you know some scientist somewhere does) knows about that one?!?!
Is that the one on the Avenue of the Giants? If so, I've been there before! It really is something. Redwoods are some of the most amazing trees on the planet, it's what keeps me here in Humboldt county.