Coral Root

(Corallorhiza striata)

We first learned of the concept of a 'parasitic' plant from our grandfather when he was painting this specimen. Somehow the explanation that coral-root lived by taking food from the roots of other plants cast a pall on the glowing, almost feathery blossoms. That was forgotten when walking on a wet, dark spring afternoon we were rewarded by a glimpse of the spike of pale pink striped flowers and darker stalk coming up through the forest duff. The name comes from the supposed resemblance of the root mass to branching coral. —Nancy Praetzel and Eugenia Herr

High-Quality Giclée Print: $45, plus shipping and handling. Measures 6 x 11 inches (4.5" x 9.5" print, plus .75" white border).