Parasitic Plants
Parasitic plants are an unusual and interesting group of plants. They are defined as parasitic because they are unable to make their own chlorophyll and thus rely on other organisms for nutrients. In order to obtain these nutrients, they tap into the roots of other organisms (e.g. fungi or other plants) and siphon off nutrients for their own growth. They are also relatively easy to spot on a visit to the forest because most of the plant is white in color, due to the lack of chlorophyll. There are five common parasitic plants to watch for when visiting the IU preserve.
|
Indian Pipe – Monotropa uniflora
Indian pipe is an easily recognized parasitic plant. It is white with small drooping flowers and tiny leaves. It grows to be around 4 inches in height. Indian pipe can be seen between June and September and is typically found in soils rich in organic matter. Indian pipe roots tap into the roots of a fungus, and steal the nutrients for their own growth. But, the fungus is taking its nutrients from the root of a tree. Thus, this interaction between three species is referred to as a mycorrhizal relationship. In order for the Indian pipe to obtain nutrients, it requires both the tree and the fungus. The base of dead trees and tree stumps is a good place to look for Indiana Pipe.
photo credit - Gary A. Monroe
|
 |
 |
Dodder – Cuscuta spp.
There are several species of Dodder that are found in Indiana and it is difficult to distinguish between them, but it is easy to identify to the genus. Like other parasitic plants it requires a host organism, but Dodder is unspecific and can be found on many low growing plants. It forms a viny, rope-like mass that grows over host plants. Unlike the other parasitic plants it is not white, but more of an orange color and actually looks a lot like orange silly string was sprayed on the plants. Dodder is relatively common and can be found throughout Southern Indiana from July until October.
Photo credit - Mark Moran
|
|
Squawcron/Squawroot/Cancer Root – Conopholis americana
Squawcorn/ Squawroot or Cancer root as it is known is a parasitic plant found in oak forests. Like other parasitic plants, it does not make chlorophyll, and thus looks white to yellowish brown. It has been described as looking similar to a dried pine cone. Sqauwroot can be found throughout Southern Indiana from late spring through early summer.
photo credit - Tom Barnes University of Kentucky
|
 |
 |
Pinesap – Monotropa hypopithys
Spiranthes cernua is found throughout Indiana and as expected, is found in a variety of ecotypes. There is a great deal of variation within the species, and it has been grouped into different races. The flowering raceme is approximately 25-35 cm in height and produces approximately a dozen small white flowers. The top of the plant has a distinctive spiral out of which the flowers appear. This late blooming orchid may be seen from late July all the way through November.
photo credit - Tom Barnes University of Kentucky
|
|
Beach Drops – Epifagus virginiana
Liparis loeselii is unusual in that its range is currently expanding south. Previously found mainly in the northern regions of Indiana, L. loeselii has been found in counties extending all the way down to the Ohio River. We would appreciate being notified if you sight this plant within the preserve.
Liparis loeselii flowers from mid-May to late June. The entire plant (including the flowers) are a greenish-yellow. It produces two broad, shiny leaves that are oval in shape with a flowering stalk extending up approximately 11-17 cm.
photo credit - Jim Stasz @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
|
 |
|
