Beechdrops
Epifagus americana
                    
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2007 Photograph, Beechdrops (Epifagus americana, Broomrape family, Orobanchaceae), Fairfax Villa Park, Fairfax, Virginia, © 2020.
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.
Jian Zhe Li
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Nature Photography, Wildlife Photography, Waterfowl Photography and Bird Photography from Marsh, River, Field and Forest Habitats.
All images Copyright © 1999 - 2025 by Gerry Gantt, all rights reserved.