woodland pinedrops
ExplorePlants
woodland pinedrops
Pterospora andromedea
Woodland pinedrops are unique plants that grow in shady forests. They don't have green leaves because they get their food from the trees around them instead of the sun.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The woodland pinedrops is a strange, leafless plant with a thick, reddish-brown or yellowish stalk emerging from the forest floor. It has many small, bell-shaped, whitish-pink flowers that hang downwards, making it look unique among green forest plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusPterospora
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It relies on specific underground fungi that also grow connected to pine trees!
It spends most of its life hidden underground, only sending up a stalk to flower!
This plant is named for its droopy flowers that look like tiny bells!
Unlike most plants, pinedrops don't have green leaves because they don't photosynthesize!
Special abilities
Ability
Fungal Feeder
Woodland pinedrops can grow without sunlight by secretly 'feeding' on fungi that live near pine roots, instead of making its own food.
Ability
Invisible Network
Woodland pinedrops has special root structures that connect to underground fungal networks, helping it absorb nutrients from its hidden host.
Ability
Tiny Traveler
Woodland pinedrops has incredibly tiny, dust-like seeds that can be carried long distances by wind, helping it spread to new forest homes.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-0.8 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Wine-cap Rhizopogon
Rhizopogon vinicolor
steals nutrients from this underground fungus
pollinates
American Bumblebee
Bombus pensylvanicus
attracts bumblebees to help spread its pollen
depends on
Ponderosa Pine
Pinus ponderosa
indirectly relies on this tree's relationship with fungi
Traits
Mycorrhizal
This trait describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and the roots of a plant, benefiting both organisms.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Pendulous Form
Describing a plant or anatomical structure that droops or hangs downwards.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
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
1/5 · Very low
Do not touch or eat wild plants without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is woodland pinedrops?
10-40 cm
How big are the flowers on woodland pinedrops?
0.5-0.8 cm
When does woodland pinedrops bloom?
Summer
Is woodland pinedrops edible?
No
Is woodland pinedrops toxic?
None
What is woodland pinedrops's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is woodland pinedrops pollinated?
Insect
Where is woodland pinedrops usually found?
Forests
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