Day 259: Many plants formerly known as "saprophytes" have been reclassified as "mycoheterotrophs," i.e. non-chlorophyllic species which parasitize fungi to fulfill their nutritional needs. There are two forms of mycoheterotrophy. The first is called "obligate" and exists when the plant is fully dependent on the fungal component. The second type is called "facultative," in which the plant requires the fungal host for a portion of its life cycle.
Many field guides still refer to plants such as this Striped Coralroot (Corallorrhiza striata) as "saprophytes," but the mycoheterotrophic biology is much more complex than merely growing on decaying forest debris. A whole new science has opened up with the discovery of these plants' true nature!
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