Sand food plant
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Sand food plant
Flowering sand food plant (Pholisma sonorae). This mushroom-shaped parasitic plant is native to the deserts of south-western USA and Mexico. It is found growing on shifting sand dunes. Its scaly stem was eaten raw or cooked by Native Americans. It contains no chlorophyll and therefore cannot produce its own food. Instead, its stem, which extends 1-2 metres below the ground, is attached to the roots of a nearby host plant. The sand foods flowers are always arranged in a ring on its cap. This unusual plant has become endangered. It is threatened by off-road vehicles and the development of the desert. Photographed in the Algodones wilderness, California, USA
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Media ID 6278096
© DR TORSTEN WITTMANN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Blooming California Desert Endangered Mexican Parasite Parasitic Rare Sand Shadow Spring Stem Unusual Us A
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the unique Sand Food Plant, also known as the Flowering Sand Food Plant (Pholisma sonorae). Native to the deserts of south-western USA and Mexico, this mushroom-shaped parasitic plant thrives in shifting sand dunes. The scaly stem of this extraordinary plant was consumed by Native Americans either raw or cooked. However, what sets it apart is its inability to produce its own food due to lacking chlorophyll. Instead, the sand food plant relies on a nearby host plant's roots for sustenance. Its striking flowers are always arranged in a ring on top of its cap, adding an enchanting touch to its already fascinating appearance. Unfortunately, this rare botanical wonder has become endangered over time. The threats it faces include off-road vehicles disturbing its habitat and the development encroaching upon desert areas. This thought-provoking photograph was taken in California's Algodones Wilderness, capturing both the beauty and fragility of this remarkable species. With keywords like nature, American Southwest desert scenery, blooming flowers against sandy terrain, and biological uniqueness emphasized throughout this image description from Science Photo Library; viewers can appreciate not only the aesthetic appeal but also gain awareness about preserving such precious flora that play vital roles within ecosystems.
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