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Myco-heterotrophs A myco-heterotroph is a plant that does not contain chlorophyll and gets its nutrition by a parasitic relationship with a fungus. There are over 85 Genera containing mycoheterotrophic species. Monotropa uniflora Back to plant growth form menu Next Back to vegetative parts main menu Main menu Myco-heterotrophs Pine saps (Monotropa hypopithys) stems often have a red coloration and multiple flowers per stalk. It has a parasitic relationship with mycorrhizae fungi, which in turn have a symbiotic relationship with tree roots. Therefore, it is common for myco-heterotrophs to indirectly obtain nutrients from a plant via its parasitism of a mycorrhizae fungus. Monotropa hypopithys Back to plant growth form menu Back Next Back to vegetative parts main menu Main menu Myco-heterotrophs Many of the most common mycoheterotrophs are in the Ericaceae. Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) as the name implies has a single flower per stem. They commonly parasitize members of the mycorrhizal Russulaceae mushroom family. Monotropa uniflora Back to plant growth form menu Back Next Back to vegetative parts main menu Main menu Myco-heterotrophs Members of the orchid family (Orchidaceae) have complex interactions with fungi. Orchid seeds lack significant storage material and rely on fungi (Rhizoctonia sp.) to supply the nutrition needed to complete germination. In most cases, once germination is completed and the seedling established, the orchid plant becomes autotrophic obtaining carbon from photosynthesis in green leaves and mineral nutrition through roots. It does however, maintain a mycorrhizal association, which benefits both the fungus and the orchid plant. Orchid seed Back to plant growth form menu Back Next Back to vegetative parts main menu Main menu Myco-heterotrophs Some orchids, such as coral root (Corallorhiza) retain an obligate myco-heterotrophic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi for their entire life. Spotted coral root Corallorhiza maculata Back to plant growth form menu Back Next Back to vegetative parts main menu Main menu Myco-heterotrophs There is another group of plants that are partial myco-heterotrophs . These plants produce photosynthetic leaves but partially rely on fungal parasitism to supplement their food supply. Shinleaf (Pyrola elliptica) Back to plant growth form menu Back Next Back to vegetative parts main menu Main menu Myco-heterotrophs One-flowered wintergreen (Moneses uniflora) is another partial myco-heterotroph. Moneses uniflora Back to plant growth form menu Back Back to vegetative parts main menu Main menu