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Mexican cancer-root

Scientific Name: Conopholis alpina var. mexicana

Family: Orobanchaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Conopholis alpina var. mexicana

Also known as Mexican cancer-root, Alpine cancer-root, or Groundcone, and sometimes referred to as Squawroot, this plant presents a fascinating case of botanical adaptation and traditional use.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions this plant as a root holoparasite, meaning it attaches to and lives off the roots of other plants, possibly Oak trees. While the plant itself may not pose a direct risk, the host plant might, depending on the species.

Considerations for Children

  • The common names "cancer-root" and "squawroot," while historical, might be unsettling for children.
  • The plant resembles "a cluster of slender pinecones erupting from the forest floor" and grows "up to about 25cm in fruit" and it would be wise to supervise any child who might mistake this plant for a pinecone.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Conopholis alpina var. mexicana
  • Common Names: Mexican cancer-root, Alpine cancer-root, Groundcone, Squawroot
  • Family: Orobanchaceae (Broomrape family)
  • Genus: Conopholis
  • Synonyms: Conopholis mexicana, Conopholis alpina Liebm. var. mexicana (A. Gray ex S. Watson) Haynes

Distribution and Habitat

  • Conopholis alpina var. mexicana is found in locations such as:
    • The American Blue Ridge Mountains
    • Otero County, New Mexico
    • Boot Canyon, Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Brewster County Texas

Ecological Role

  • This plant is described as an achlorophyllous (lacking chlorophyll) root holoparasite. This means it cannot produce its own food through photosynthesis and instead obtains nutrients by parasitizing the roots of other plants, especially oak trees.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Conopholis alpina var. mexicana is yellowish-white with brown highlights.
  • It has cream-colored flowers.
  • It resembles a cluster of slender pinecones erupting from the forest floor, growing up to about 25cm in fruit.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "cancer-root" is intriguing and hints at possible historical or traditional uses.

Further Information

  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
  • uBio
  • Dave's Garden