Beechdrops

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, only containing E. virginiana within it. The name Epifagus derives from the Greek "epi", meaning "on" or "upon", and "Fagus" which is the genus name of beech.

Hosts and Impacts

Beechdrops grows on shallow roots at varying distances from the trunk of F. grandifolia. The parasite develops a haustorium structure that penetrates and grows into beech roots to extract nutrients, as the beechdrops plant is not able to photosynthesize or produce its own food.

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. Seeds from E. virginiana are small and are dispersed by rainwater. Between dispersal and germination, seeds experience a cellular change, the embryo changes colors and its cells develop granules.

Habitats and Range

This parasitic plant is native to North America and can commonly be found along the edges of temperate forests. Chasmogamous flowers are cross pollinated flowers that grow at the top of the plant and are sometimes sterile. Cleistogamous flowers are self-fertile, these flowers grow at the base of the plant.[10] Seeds from E. virginiana are small and are dispersed by rainwater.

Sources

[1] Native Plant Trust: Go Botany, Epifagus virginiana — beech-drops. From https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/epifagus/virginiana/

[2] From https://illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/beechdrops.htm