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Beechdrops Epifagus americana, Broomrape family, Orobanchaceae Parasitic on Beech Tree Roots |
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| These achlorophyllous (lacking chlorophyll) plants get their nourishment by parasitizing the roots of Beech Trees. The lower flowers are cleistogamous (never opening and self-pollinating) while the upper flowers have a distinct corolla. This enables the plant to hedge its bets by insuring that there will be a next generation from the cleistogamous flowers while also enjoying the benefits of cross-pollination through the upper flowers should conditions be adequate for them to form and set their seeds. | |||||
Nature Photography, Wildlife Photography, Waterfowl Photography and Bird Photography from Marsh, River, Field and Forest Habitats. All images Copyright © 1999 - by Gerry Gantt, all rights reserved. |
