Monotropa hypopitys - Yellow Bird's-nest

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Ericales - Family: Ericaceae

Lacking chlorophyl, this strange plant is unable to photosynthesise; it gains the nutrients it need by parasitising mycorrhizal fungi - fungi that have a symbiotic relationships with the rootlets of trees nand other plants.

Currently this species is generally classed as a member of the family Ericaceae. (Many botanists believe it should have its own genus Hypopitys.)

The pictures on this page were taken in the UK and in Italy..