The Pinesap is another of those succulent little plants that are classed as saprophytes, obtaining food from fungi associated with higher plants. Since this is the case, Pinesaps have no need for conventional leaves.
With the coming of modern technology and complex instrumentation old ideas about plants are either confirmed or denied. The relationship between plants and fungi, as well as with other natural organisms, has challenged our most up-to-date research students.
When I discovered my first Pinesap while on a woodland hike, it was a pleasure to have closely observed such an unusual plant to be added to my list of local species.
(Compare to Beechdrops.)
Copyright © 2005–2008 William T. Hathaway.