Epifagus virginiana (L.) W.P.C. Barton

Beechdrops

Tree

Annual

Vascular

Beechdrops is a native annual in the Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Beechdrops is a holoparasite of American Beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrhart). It lacks chlorophyll and depends entirely on its connections to the roots of Beech trees to survive (obligate parasite). The roots of the Beech tree release chemicals into the soil that trigger the germination of Beechdrop seed. The seedling grows a hastorium that penetrates the roots of the Beech tree and allows the parasite to obtain water and nutrients from its host. The seedling develops into a tuber that remains underground and connected to the roots of the Beech tree. Beechdrops are not known to cause significant harm to the host. In late summer and fall the tuber develops stiff erect stems that are 6-15 inches in height. The stems are branched and glabrous. Stems are yellowish-brown or purple streaked in color and have no chlorophyll. Leaves are reduced to small alternate brown scales along the stem. Flowers are produced in the axils of the scale leaves. The stems produce two types of flowers: cleistogamous flowers that self-pollinate and never open, and tubular chasmogamous flowers that are often sterile. Cleistogamous flowers are bud-shaped and the most abundant. They are usually located on the lower portions of the stems. Chasmogamous are produced near the tips of the branches and are purple and cream in color. They are tubular with 4 small lobes. The fruit is a capsule with many small seed. The dried stems of Beechdrops become dark brown in color and semi-woody. They may remain visible under the Beech tree well into the next year.—A. Diamond

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Native G5 (Global Rank)

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