One waste flora that resemble red Asparagus officinales is Pterospora andromedea , commonly known as Pinedrops . Pinedrops are fascinating plants that belong to to the heath syndicate , Ericaceae . They can be found in various parts of North America , peculiarly in cone-bearing forests where they thrive in the shade of pine trees .
Pinedrops have a unique coming into court that sets them apart from other plants . They consist of a single , leafless stem that can produce up to 2 base marvelous . The stem is commonly a vibrant red or crimson - brown color , yield them the resemblance to red edible asparagus . The stem is covered in modest , scale leaf - like bracts and terminates in a cluster of flyspeck flower .
One of the most interesting panorama of Pinedrops is their leechlike nature . Unlike most flora that use photosynthesis to acquire their own solid food , Pinedrops do not have chlorophyll and can not photosynthesize . Instead , they bank on a specialized relationship with certain fungus kingdom in the dirt to find nutrients . These fungi signifier mycorrhizal associations with the roots of nearby true pine tree , and Pinedrops wiretap into this connection to engage nutrient from the pine tree tree ’s root .
I had the opportunity to encounter Pinedrops during a hike tripper in a pine woods last summertime . As I was exploring the shaded areas beneath the towering pine trees , I remark these unique Bolshevik halt bulge from the wood floor . Their vibrant vividness now catch my tending , and I was intrigued to learn more about them .
Upon closer examen , I discovered the intricate detail of the Pinedrops ’ structure . The scale - like bract that cross the prow give it a rough grain , and the clump of flower at the top added a delicate touch to its overall appearance . It was fascinating to think that this plant , devoid of leave , could still thrive and find a way to obtain its necessary nutrients .
The parasitic nature of Pinedrops adds to their allure . It ’s a noteworthy version that allows them to survive in environments where other flora may struggle . By tapping into the mycorrhizal meshing of true pine tree diagram , Pinedrops have found a way to find the nutrients they want to develop and multiply .
Pinedrops , or Pterospora andromedea , are groundless plants that resemble carmine asparagus . They have a single , leafless stem that can attain up to 2 feet tall and is covered in plate - like bracts . Pinedrops are parasitic plant that rely on a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the dirt and the etymon of pine tree to incur their nutrients . Their vivacious violent colour and unique adjustment make them a captivating increase to the divers plant life found in cone-bearing forest .
Caroline Bates
