Alpine Cancer-Root - Conopholis alpina var. mexicana
Many authorities do not recognize subspecies in this species
Railroad Canyon, Black Range, New Mexico
May 9, 2014
This species is also known as Mexican Cancer-Root and Ground Cone. Its scientific synonyms include Conopholis mexicana, Orobanche multiflora var. xanthochroa, and Orobanche xanthochroa.
This is a root parasitic plant (holoparasite) which lacks chlorophyll (achiorophyllous).
The specimen sheet shown below is a plant collected by Edward Palmer in October, 1880, somewhere in Coahuila or Nuevo Leon.
The flowers of this species (protruding from all sides of the cone shaped structure) are cream colored, while the bracts (visible beneath the flowers) are brown. In the Black Range this species is generally found beneath Ponderosa Pine.
Trail 135, Black Range, New Mexico
April 18, 2020
Photograph immediately above and four below
