spotted coralroot (Corallorhiza maculata) in Winneshiek Co. IA 854A3280

These tiny yet spectacular orchids lack chlorophyll and so collect their nourishment by tapping their root system into the mycelium mat of Russula mushrooms and stealing fungal reserves. The Russula mycelium is tied into a big oak tree's branching roots and doing a very similar thing - talk about a tangled web of intrigue.

Done