American cancer-root
ExplorePlants
American cancer-root
Conopholis americana
American cancer-root is a special plant that grows in the woods. It doesn't have leaves like most plants and gets its food from tree roots instead of the sun.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The American cancer-root is a striking, leafless plant, appearing as a cluster of yellowish-brown to tan, scaly stalks. Its unique, cone-like form stands out from the forest floor, topped with small, tube-shaped flowers of a similar hue. It completely lacks green coloration, making it look very different from typical plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyOrobanchaceaeGenusConopholis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It gets its name from an old belief it could help cure cancer.
It's like a plant vampire, secretly sipping nutrients from its tree host.
This root parasite can only grow where specific oak trees are found!
Tiny ants become unwitting gardeners, moving its seeds to perfect new spots!
Special abilities
Ability
No Photosynthesis
American cancer-root has no chlorophyll, meaning it doesn't need sunlight to create energy, relying entirely on its host.
Ability
Ant Seed Spreaders
American cancer-root has seeds with a fatty cap that attracts ants, which then carry and disperse the seeds to new locations.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-20 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring-early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
parasitizes
White Oak
Quercus alba
obtains nutrients directly from its roots
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
attracted to its small, tubular flowers
depends on
Ant
Aphaenogaster picea
carries seeds for dispersal due to elaiosomes
Traits
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Parasitic
This trait describes organisms that live on or in a host organism, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or eat unknown plants. Always ask an adult before exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American cancer-root?
5-20 cm
How big are the flowers on American cancer-root?
1-2 cm
When does American cancer-root bloom?
Spring-early summer
Is American cancer-root edible?
No
Is American cancer-root toxic?
None
What is American cancer-root's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is American cancer-root pollinated?
Insect
Where is American cancer-root usually found?
Forests
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
