Have you ever been walking through the woods and noticed small, brown stems sticking through the leaf litter (somewhat reminiscent of the handles of tiny witch’s brooms)? These are beechdrops (Epif agus virginiana), and if you look around, you will notice mature beech trees (Fargus grandifolia) with their smooth grayish bark.
Beechdrops live up to their Latin name and grow upon (epi) beech tree (fagus) roots. Since they are without chlorophyll, they are parasites that rely on beech roots for nutrition. This beautiful specimen is in the Acidic Cove Forest Exhibit (at the South Carolina Botanical Garden) under a cluster of well-established American beech trees. A swath of beech drops covers the hillside where the Oconee Bells grow (across the bridge to the Crucible). Their presence indicates that the stand of beech trees is in good health.
A swath of beech drops covers the hillside where the Oconee Bells grow (across the bridge to the Crucible).
Sue Watts, ©2023, Clemson University Botanical Gardens
Beechdrops germinate when they receive a chemical signal from the host tree. Initially, the plant lives off the stored food in the seed; then, it develops a structure (known as a haustorium) to connect the beechdrop to the tree root. Beechdrops flower in late summer into early fall with tiny delicate flowers of two types. Researchers discovered that the winter ant (Prenolepis imparis) cross-pollinate the flowers at the top of the stem. Ant pollination is rare since they secrete chemicals that make pollen unviable. However, researchers studying Epifagus found this not to be the case. Lower on the stem are self-fertile flowers that ensure seeds develop, even if pollinators don’t visit.
Close-up of Beechdrop flower.
Sue Watts, ©2023, Clemson University Botanical Gardens
While researching this piece, I found some interesting information about the ants pollinating Epifagus. Winter ants spend the summer months far below the ground surface in cool, sealed chambers to escape summer’s heat. Once temperatures drop, they emerge to forage. Other ant species do not care for these cold temperatures, so there is less competition for food. Nature is fascinating! For more information, see BioOne Parasitic Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana): A Possible Ant-Pollinated Plant.
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