The striped coralroot is a wild orchid that is both uncommon and widespread. Favouring the deep forest floor that little sunlight reaches, it obtains its energy, not as a result of photosynthesis, but through fungi. Indeed, the plant lacks not only chlorophyll, but even leaves.
The striped coralroot was the second wild orchid found in Kokanee Creek Park this year.
Beautiful.
Thanks Alistair.
I view your site only second after daily photos of my granddaughter.
Wow! I had no idea about the fungi connection. Is that unique to this orchid?
Stephen, no, it is not unique to this orchid. All orchids depend upon fungi for carbon in the early stages of seed growth, and many adult orchids retain their fungal symbionts throughout life. This relationship between orchids and fungi in the soil is one of the reasons that wild orchids mustn’t be picked, for doing so kills the plant.