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Hydnora africana

Week 22
Year 2016
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Elegant Sunburst Lichen (Xanthoria elegans) by Björn S...
Image Credit: "Hydnora africana Karasburg District, Namibia, 2002" by Lytton John Musselman © CC BY-SA 3.0

This odd character lacks photosynthesis, smells like feces, and was named after its fungus like resemblance. Yet this odd character is no fungus, it is a parasitic plant. For most of its life Hydnora africana resides under the soil in Africa. There it grows stealing the nutrients directly from the roots of other plants.[1] When it is ready to flower it pops up from the ground luring dung beetles into its cavity for pollination. Interestingly, some research suggests that there is a temperature rise within the flower; likely as a way to heighten its stench. Eventually Hydnora africana opens up (as seen above) allowing the beetle to escape, and spreading the plants pollen.[2]

Do you know any fun facts or tips?

Citations

[1]: "Hydnora Africana." Botanical Society of America. Accessed June 13, 2016. http://botany.org/Parasitic_Plants/Hydnora_africana.php.

[2]: Campbell, Dana. "Jackal Food - Hydnora Africana." Encyclopedia of Life. Accessed June 13, 2016. http://eol.org/pages/5514361/details.