Epifagus virginiana
A member of the extensively distributed household of parasitic and hemiparasitic vegetation, 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 accountable for photosynthesis, beechdrops are solely depending on their host tree for vitamins.
They’re an vital a part of the forest ecosystem and are solely seen for a brief time period whereas flowering.
On this information, we’ll check out how and the place E. virginiana develop, and be taught extra about these fascinating vegetation.
Right here’s what I’ll cowl:
What Are Beechdrops?
The latin identify 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 comparable to 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 compounds exuded by beech tree roots. Initially the tiny, subterranean beechdrops plant depends on vitamins contained throughout 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 might develop as much as 16 inches tall. These flowers are referred to as chasmogamous, which suggests they open up and are capable of 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 difficult 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 very best probability of discovering beechdrops, you’ll have to find a stand of beech bushes.
These beautiful, 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 better 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.
Neighborhood information gathering apps like iNaturalist may help you to find uncommon, more durable to identify species like beechdrops.
Simply bear in mind, these weird little vegetation 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 whenever you discover them. Be aware of the potential ramifications of telling different individuals the place these particular vegetation reside.
Learn how to Look after Beechdrops
Studying tips on how to take care of beechdrops requires preserving the situations that permit this species to thrive.
As a result of E virginiana depends upon the American beech tree for meals, it’s unattainable to efficiently transplant these parasitic vegetation 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 keep the integrity of your native forests by staying on marked trails and protecting kids and canines from operating round below 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 straightforward apply will take away any invasive species propagules that 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 be certain that bigger, intact stands of woodland are protected.
A Important Curiosity
Beechdrops are a reminder there’s all the time extra to the world of vegetation than meets the attention.
This weird, subterranean parasite busts our assumptions about what it means to belong to that huge, often inexperienced, taxonomic kingdom, Plantae.
It’s a significant reminder that the world outdoors is linked in a myriad of how invisible to our personal eyes, too. Even these little identified species have a important, 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: