This is a parasitic plant (Family: Monotropaceae) that lives in close association with a mycorrhizal fungus that grows on the roots of pi...Read Morene trees. The plants I found do not have any apparent foliage and do not have any green on them since they do not perform photosynthesis. These were found in a partial shade/sun area in the Black Forest area of Colorado Springs which is forested with Ponderosa pine trees. This summer is one of the wettest summers on record. Since they can't be moved, observers can enjoy watching the changes in these beautiful plants, but it would be impossible to share anything other than photos with other gardeners.
This spectacular plant is unusual in that it has no leaves (they are reduced to scale-like bracts). It is a saprophyte, getting its nutri...Read Moreents from dead organic matter in the soil, and not from photosynthesis. The tall flowering stems are a rich reddish-brown and are covered in sticky hairs. The name comes from the flowers being likened to drops of pine resin.
This is a parasitic plant (Family: Monotropaceae) that lives in close association with a mycorrhizal fungus that grows on the roots of pi...Read More
This spectacular plant is unusual in that it has no leaves (they are reduced to scale-like bracts). It is a saprophyte, getting its nutri...Read More