#pterospora

[keithcurrypochy]

Pinedrops (Pterospora)

These plants do not photosynthesis, the get their energy from fungi in the soil. 

Yellowstone National Park, WT

[brittanyeburgard]

Does anyone know an Ericaceae who isn’t cute? Pterospora andromedea or woodland pinedrop capsules are like little pink pumpkins! These fascinating plants are parasitic, obtaining nutrients from a host plant with the help of symbiotic fungi. From the Flora of North America: “An infusion of the plant was taken to treat lung hemorrhages, and used as an emetic, externally, an infusion was used as an astringent, and snorted to treat nosebleeds, an infusion of the roots were taken to treat gonorrhea. The plant was was roasted and eaten, and the leaves were smoked in the kiva.” #Ericaceae #PterosporaAndromedea #Pterospora #pinedrop #arizona #ponderosapineforests #nativeplants #botanize #botany #plants #nature #naturephotography #plantstagram #natureishappiness #medicinalplants #herbalmedicine #ethnobotany #wildfood #forage (at Arizona)

[pnwnativeplants]

Some kind of Pterospora

[lovecraftsgarden]

Pterospora andromedea

Woodland Pinedrops, Albany Beechdrops, Giant Bird’s Nest

(via)