Woodland pinedrops (Pterospora andromedea)
One of the more unique plants in Oregon, Pinedrops are part of the Ericaceae family (subfamily Monotropoideae) along with other parasitic plants like Snowplant, Ghost Pipe, and Gnome Plant. They can be found throughout mixed conifer forests in North America, including all of the western states and most of the northeast as well. What makes Pinedrops so unique is that they rely on mycorrhizal fungi for their energy/nutrients instead of producing their own energy through photosynthesis. They take advantage of the mutualistic relationship that mycorrhizal fungi already have with trees.
Since they didn’t go down the photosynthesis route, which can be costly energy-wise, they have more energy for flower and seed production. Also, because they don’t produce chlorophyll for photosynthesis, they take on a distinct pinkish-red color instead of green. Not sure if there’s an evolutionary advantage to this color, but I’ve noticed a lot of parasitic species take on this color.
Though they seem to be parasitic generalists, they prefer the genus Rhizopogon, which occurs primarily in pine forests. Interestingly, this genus of fungi also aids in the germination of their seeds! While the relationship between the plant and fungi is known to be parasitic, some research suggests it might be mutualistic. Another cool adaptation of this plant, similar to carnivorous plants, is the presence of sticky glands on their flowers/petioles that help trap small insects. Enzymes in the plant then break these insects down for nitrogen. I love how this plant, and other members of this subfamily, have taken their own route and this adaptation has been successful for them.
The plant itself is densely covered in glandular hairs, has scale-like leaves, and features a raceme of densely arranged pendant flowers. The fruit is a capsule that releases seeds through a slit from the base to the tip when ripened. If you want to see this strange and unique plant for yourself, head to the Conboy National Wildlife Refuge, where there are many!
