Beechdrops

Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana) is an obligate parasitic plant that obtains nutrients directly from Beech.

Description and Taxonomy

The beechdrops plant belongs to the genus

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.