This grouping of Squaw-Root was found growing in the Mammoth Cave National Forest. These were very interesting to capture, however, they did seem a little past their prime.
Squawroot - Conopholis americana
Common Name: Squawroot, Cancerroot, American Broomrape
Scientific Name: Conopholis americana Family: Orobanchaceae, Broomrape
This plant, which lacks leaves, is parasitic on the roots of trees, especially oaks.
• Family: Broomrape (Orobanchaceae)
• Habitat: woods, often under oaks
• Height: 3-8 inches
• Flower size: 1/2 inch long
• Flower color: yellow-brown
• Flowering time: May to June
• Origin: native
Like all members of the Broomrape family, the Squawroot contains no chlorophyll. It must therefore obtain nutrients from a host plant as a parasite. The Squawroot attaches to the root structure of oak trees for this purpose. However, this parasitic activity generally does not result in the death of the host tree.
Squawroot has astringent medicinal properties. A decoction can be used to treat hemorrhages of the bowels and uterus and as a cure for headaches.
The name Squawroot is attributed to its use by Native American females as a treatment to relieve the symptoms of menopause.
The name Cancerroot is a generic reference to its general palliative properties, as it has no measurable anti-tumor properties.
The genome of the Squawroot has been sequenced. The genes responsible for photosynthesis proteins are missing, while the remainder of the genome is consistent with other vascular, seed-bearing flowering plants, indicating an evolutionary mutation. Excerpt taken from the Hiker's Notebook.
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