Pinedrop
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Introduction
Pterospora andromedea commonly known as Pinedrops, is a parasitic plant of the heath family. This plant relies on mycoheterotrophy, the plant nutrition tactic that involves getting its carbon and other nutrients from fungi rather than photosynthesis [1]. They have a red stalk with bell-shaped flowers that hang upside down.
Range & Habitat
Pinedrops are native to coniferous forests of North America commonly growing from the soil below pine trees. Populations can be found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, though it is most commonly found in mountainous regions like the northern Appalachians or Rockies. Pinedrop grows well in acidic, well-drained soils that are nutrient-poor [3]. They also need coniferous forests with ectomycorrhizal growth, which they rely on for nutrients. Pinedrops are more likely to be found in older forests with less disturbance because these conditions promote the growth of the fungi systems they prey on.
Mycroheterotrophy and Role in Soil Ecology
The mutualistic relationship between pines and microrysal fungi is what allows Pinedrops to survive. The trees provide the fungi with the glucose created through photosynthesis in exchange the fungus provides nutrients the tree is not capable of retreaving on its own like nitrogen the fungus can also make it easier for the tree to collect water [2]. Pinedrops are parasites and take advantage of this mutualism. They take the nutrients glucose and water from the fungi while it is exchanging with the tree. These specific relationships and circumstances make the Pinedrop uncommon. They can also be used as an indicator to tell if a forest is thriving.
Refrences
[1]Mycoheterotrophy - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). . https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mycoheterotrophy.
[2]Mycorrhizal fungi / RHS. (n.d.). . https://www.rhs.org.uk/biodiversity/mycorrhizal-fungi.
[3]Woodland Pinedrops. (n.d.). . https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/pterospora_andromedea.shtml.