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Missed Opportunities | all galleries >> Places >> Virginia >> Lake Frederick > Squaroot (Conopholis americana)
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26-Apr-2020 Donald E. Casavecchia

Squaroot (Conopholis americana)

Lake Frederick, Virginia

Lots of these 'popping' up in the deep wooded areas that surround Lake Frederick. Measure about 4-6" high and maybe 2" diameter.
Did a little research to find that this 'flower' is an underground plant without leaves or chlorophyll. It does NOT feed on sunlight; rather, it feeds on Oak tree roots.
Guess I have to wonder if this 'parasite' is partially responsible for all the dead/dying Oak Trees in our area(?)

Nikon 1 V3 with FT-1 Adaptor,AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G
1/400s f/6.3 at 189mm iso800
UnCropped but with Size Reduced for Internet Viewing full exif


other sizes: small medium large original auto
Tom Murray09-May-2020 14:18
Interesting "flower", I've never seen this one.
Don07-May-2020 20:44
Fascinating plant. It immediately reminded me of Orobanche, leafless plants that grow feral in parts of Australia, and on research I see they're in the same plant family.
hayl06-May-2020 10:37
Very interesting info about this. Quite camouflaged among the leaves.
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