Beechdrops: Difference between revisions
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The beechdrops plant belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. The genus Epifagus is monotypic, containing only E. virginiana. The name Epifagus derives from the Greek "epi", meaning "on" or "upon", and "Fagus" which is the genus name of beech.[1] | The beechdrops plant belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. The genus Epifagus is monotypic, containing only E. virginiana. The name Epifagus derives from the Greek "epi", meaning "on" or "upon", and "Fagus" which is the genus name of beech.[1] | ||
== Hosts and Impacts == | |||
Beechdrops grows on shallow roots at varying distances from the trunk of F. grandifolia. The parasite develops a haustorium that grows into beech roots to draw nutrients from its host, as beechdrops does not photosynthesize. E. virginiana does not tolerate disturbances in its connection to F. grandifolia. | |||
== Life Cycle == | == Life Cycle == | ||
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A fairly inconspicuous brown stem produces two types of flowers, cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate without ever opening, and chasmogamous flowers that open, but are often sterile. The roots of the host release a chemical that trigger the germination of E. virginiana. It is believed that the older the host tree, the more this chemical is released | A fairly inconspicuous brown stem produces two types of flowers, cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate without ever opening, and chasmogamous flowers that open, but are often sterile. The roots of the host release a chemical that trigger the germination of E. virginiana. It is believed that the older the host tree, the more this chemical is released | ||
== Habitats and Range == | == Habitats and Range == | ||
Revision as of 20:19, 7 April 2022
Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana) is an obligate parasitic plant that obtains nutrients directly from the American beech.
Description and Taxonomy
The beechdrops plant belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. The genus Epifagus is monotypic, containing only E. virginiana. The name Epifagus derives from the Greek "epi", meaning "on" or "upon", and "Fagus" which is the genus name of beech.[1]
Hosts and Impacts
Beechdrops grows on shallow roots at varying distances from the trunk of F. grandifolia. The parasite develops a haustorium that grows into beech roots to draw nutrients from its host, as beechdrops does not photosynthesize. E. virginiana does not tolerate disturbances in its connection to F. grandifolia.
Life Cycle
A fairly inconspicuous brown stem produces two types of flowers, cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate without ever opening, and chasmogamous flowers that open, but are often sterile. The roots of the host release a chemical that trigger the germination of E. virginiana. It is believed that the older the host tree, the more this chemical is released
Habitats and Range
Sources
[1] Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, Epifagus virginiana — beech-drops. From https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/epifagus/virginiana/