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Description
Pterospora Andromedea, commonly called pine drops or spotted coralroot, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the heath family (Ericaceae). It is native to North America, specifically found in coniferous forests from Alaska to Mexico. This plant is a herbaceous perennial that lacks chlorophyll, meaning it is unable to produce its own food through photosynthesis. Instead, it obtains its nutrients from the roots of nearby trees through a specialized root system.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Pterospora |
| Species | Andromedea |
Appearance
Pterospora Andromedea is a unique-looking plant that stands out in the forest. It can grow up to 30cm in height and has a reddish-brown stem with scaly leaves that wrap around it. The stem is topped with a dense spike of small, bell-shaped, pinkish-white flowers that bloom in summer. The flowers are often marked with purple spots, hence the common name “spotted coralroot.” The fruit of Pterospora Andromedea is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Pterospora Andromedea is a parasitic plant, so it does not require typical care like other plants. However, it is important to ensure that the host trees are healthy as they provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to survive. Here are some care tips for Pterospora Andromedea:- Water: This plant does not require watering as it obtains its moisture from the host trees.- Fertilization: Pterospora Andromedea does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the host trees.- Soil: This plant does not require soil as it obtains its nutrients from the roots of nearby trees.- Sunlight: Pterospora Andromedea prefers shady areas and does not require direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pterospora Andromedea is not known to be affected by any pests or diseases. However, it is important to ensure that the host trees are healthy as they provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to survive.
Habitat
Pterospora Andromedea is native to North America and can be found in coniferous forests from Alaska to Mexico. It prefers shady areas and is often found growing under trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. This plant is an indicator of old-growth forests and is often found in areas that have not been disturbed by human activity.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pterospora Andromedea a rare plant?
A: Yes, Pterospora Andromedea is considered a rare plant in many areas due to its specialized parasitic nature and dependence on healthy host trees.
Q: Can Pterospora Andromedea be grown in a garden?
A: No, Pterospora Andromedea cannot be grown in a garden as it is a parasitic plant that requires the roots of nearby trees to survive.
Q: What is the significance of Pterospora Andromedea in the ecosystem?
A: Pterospora Andromedea is an indicator of old-growth forests and its presence can help identify areas that have not been disturbed by human activity. It also provides habitat for insects and other small animals.
Q: Can Pterospora Andromedea harm the host trees?
A: Pterospora Andromedea does not harm the host trees as it obtains its nutrients from their roots without causing any damage.
Related Plants
– Monotropa uniflora (Indian pipe)- Sarcodes sanguinea (snow plant)- Epifagus virginiana (beech drops)
References
– “Pterospora andromedea” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 17 June 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=PTAN.- “Pterospora andromedea” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 17 June 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PTAN.- “Spotted Coralroot” The Nature Conservancy. Accessed 17 June 2021. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/coralroot-pterospora-andromedea/.
