Langsdorffia hypogaea
| Langsdorffia hypogaea | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Santalales |
| Family: | Balanophoraceae |
| Genus: | Langsdorffia |
| Species: | L. hypogaea |
| Binomial name | |
| Langsdorffia hypogaea | |
Langsdorffia hypogaea is a parasitic plant in the family Balanophoraceae which parasitizes Quercus spp. (oaks) among others. It is native from southern Mexico through Central America to northern South America. It forms a pseudotuber composed of tissue of the host integrated with its own tissue that can be up to 1 m2 (1.2 sq yd) in size. The Langsdorffia flower clusters (which are capitula composed of myriads of tiny florets) emerge from the soil out of these "tubers".[1]
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