Epifagus virginiana
A member of the extensively distributed household of parasitic and hemiparasitic crops, Orobanchaceae, the beechdrops genus, Epifagus, accommodates a single species.
Epifagus virginiana (syn. E. americana) parasitizes the roots of beech bushes, counting on the roots for sustenance.
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Missing chlorophyll, the pigment liable for photosynthesis, beechdrops are completely depending on their host tree for vitamins.
They’re an essential a part of the forest ecosystem and are solely seen for a brief time frame whereas flowering.
On this information, we’ll check out how and the place E. virginiana develop, and be taught extra about these fascinating crops.
Right here’s what I’ll cowl:
What Are Beechdrops?
The latin title of this uncommon plant actually interprets to “upon beech,” and that’s precisely what it does: E. virginiana attaches itself to, and grows upon, the American beech tree, Fagus grandifolia.
Whereas many parasitic species within the Orobanchaceae household goal widespread agricultural crops reminiscent of beans and tomatoes, E. virginiana grows solely on the roots of beech bushes.
The life cycle of E. virginiana begins with a seed.
Germination is triggered when the seeds are uncovered to distinctive chemical substances exuded by beech tree roots. Initially the tiny, subterranean beechdrops plant depends on vitamins contained inside the seed.
It then develops a tiny root-like construction referred to as a haustorium that attaches to the roots of the beech tree, piercing the tissue to permit the parasite to feed, drawing vitamins from the host.
After a number of years, the adequately nourished beechdrops develops a small underground tuber and the haustorium breaks down, severing the reference to the host.
In late summer season to early fall, the plant produces a flower stalk – the one time E. virginiana is seen aboveground – with pale pinkish-brown to purple tubular flowers as much as an inch lengthy.
The flower stalks could develop as much as 16 inches tall. These flowers are referred to as chasmogamous, which suggests they open up and are in a position to be cross-pollinated by bugs or wind.
These flowers are pollinated primarily by totally different species of woodland ants and the seeds produced are dispersed by rainwater.
Along with the chasmogamous flowers, on the base of the floral stem, beechdrops produce cleistogamous – or self-fertile – blooms that stay closed.
When and The place to Discover Beechdrops
This little-known plant could be fairly tough to identify. It takes the correct quantity of moisture and heat to coax it up and out of the darkish layers of soil the place it spends most of its life.
The one time to see this botanical oddity is throughout late summer season and early fall when it emerges and begins to flower.
To have the most effective likelihood of discovering beechdrops, you’ll must find a stand of beech bushes.
These attractive, smooth-barked, broadleaf bushes like wealthy, moist, barely acidic soils. The species ranges throughout the jap portion of North America.
Giant, previous beech bushes usually tend to play host to a higher aggregation of E. virginiana than smaller, youthful specimens.
Moreover, you’re extra prone to discover previous, dense stands of beech in massive, well-managed parks or preserves.
Group information gathering apps like iNaturalist may also help you to find uncommon, tougher to identify species like beechdrops.
Simply keep in mind, these weird little crops must be left undisturbed, simply as they’ve been for 1000’s of years.
Don’t attempt to take away them from their habitat, and tread frivolously once you discover them. Be conscious of the potential ramifications of telling different folks the place these particular crops dwell.
The right way to Look after Beechdrops
Studying tips on how to look after beechdrops requires preserving the situations that enable this species to thrive.
As a result of E virginiana depends upon the American beech tree for meals, it’s not possible to efficiently transplant these parasitic crops into your individual backyard.
Though beechdrops parasitizes beech bushes and successfully steals vitamins from the tree, their presence is definitely an indicator of a wholesome forest.
You are able to do your bit to assist preserve the integrity of your native forests by staying on marked trails and holding youngsters and canine from operating round underneath the bushes.
Trails assist forestall erosion and compaction of forest soils which in flip will assist the forest to replenish itself.
Brush out the soles of your boots earlier than going from one path to a different.
This easy follow will take away any invasive species propagules which will have gotten lodged in your treads, and decrease the danger of transporting pests and pathogens right into a forested space.
Advocate for the preservation of forests in your native area and make sure that bigger, intact stands of woodland are protected.
A Crucial Curiosity
Beechdrops are a reminder there’s all the time extra to the world of crops than meets the attention.
This weird, subterranean parasite busts our assumptions about what it means to belong to that huge, normally inexperienced, taxonomic kingdom, Plantae.
It’s an important reminder that the world outdoors is related in a myriad of how invisible to our personal eyes, too. Even these little recognized species have a crucial, ecological position to play.
Attempt your hand at discovering some beechdrops this summer season or fall. Whereas the species’ ephemeral flowers are up, see in case you can observe ant pollination at work!
Tell us within the feedback in case you’ve ever seen beechdrops within the wild! When and the place did you discover them? We love to listen to from you!
And to be taught extra about different attention-grabbing, distinctive flora, try these guides subsequent:
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