Common names:
Alpine cancer-root, alpine squawroot
Family:
Scientific name:
Conopholis alpina
Main flower color:
Range:
Arizona and New Mexico, west Texas and a small area of south Colorado
Height:
Up to 8 inches
Habitat:
Oak and pine woodland, between 5,000 and 6,000 feet
Leaves:
None
Season:
March to May
Conopholis alpina is a parasitic plant, lacking leaves and chlorophyll. Stout, creamy-yellow or light brown stems rise just a few inches, pushing up through the soil and overlying vegetation. Stems are often almost as broad as they are tall, and bear two-lipped flowers on all sides, giving the plant the appearance of a pine cone.
The corolla is up to 0.8 inches long, and is angled upwards. The base of the corolla is enclosed by a short, toothed calyx, and subtended by a bract, which is a little longer than the flower. Inside the corolla tube are several stamens, generally hidden, and a stigma which protrudes a little way. Flowers at the base of the plant open first.
The corolla is up to 0.8 inches long, and is angled upwards. The base of the corolla is enclosed by a short, toothed calyx, and subtended by a bract, which is a little longer than the flower. Inside the corolla tube are several stamens, generally hidden, and a stigma which protrudes a little way. Flowers at the base of the plant open first.
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