Phantom Orchid (Eburophyton austiniae)

King’s Mountain Trail, Tillamook NF, Oregon, 7/2015.

This rare, endangered plant is only found in the rich soils of shady pacific northwest forests.  Another so-called saprophyte, it derives its energy from a not yet fully understood underground nutrient system, fueled by specific fungi linked to selected plant and tree species.  The only member of the orchid family that contains no chlorophyll, it is sometimes placed in the genus “cephalanthera” rather than “eburophyton”.

King’s Mountain Trail, Tillamook NF, Oregon, 7/2015.

Happy Halloween from NWWildflowers!