Snowplant (Sarcodes sanguinea, Proc. Amer. Assoc. Advancem. Sci. 4: 193 (1851))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Torr.

Bibliography: Proc. Amer. Assoc. Advancem. Sci. 4: 193 (1851)

Year: 1851

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sarcodes

Vegetable: False

Observations: Oregon to Mexico (Baja California Norte)

Description

The Snowplant, known scientifically as Sarcodes sanguinea, is a fascinating and unusual plant found from Oregon all the way to Baja California Norte in Mexico. This striking plant belongs to the Ericaceae family and is distinguished by its vivid, red appearance which stands out dramatically against the often snowy landscapes it inhabits.

First described by J. Torrey in the proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1851, the Snowplant is a notable example of a mycoheterotrophic organism. Unlike most plants, it does not rely on chlorophyll or photosynthesis. Instead, it derives its nutrients parasitically by forming a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi in the soil. These fungi, in turn, are mycorrhizal partners with trees, which ultimately means the Snowplant indirectly taps into the tree’s nutrients.

The Snowplant emerges from the forest floor like a brilliant red spike, a sight that has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. Typically appearing in spring and early summer, this plant is often found in pine forests where its fungal partners are abundant. Its deep crimson hue, an adaptation that allows it to stand out amid decomposing leaf litter and other forest debris, can reach a height of up to 30 centimeters (around 12 inches).

While its dramatic color might suggest toxicity, the Snowplant is not known to be poisonous. However, its rarity and role within the ecosystem make it a species best appreciated in place rather than disturbed. It plays an essential part in the forest’s intricate web of life, illustrating the interconnectedness of plants, fungi, and trees.

In summary, the Snowplant, Sarcodes sanguinea, is a unique botanical entity within the Ericaceae family. Known for its brilliant red coloration and unusual nutritional strategy, it spans diverse regions from Oregon to Baja California Norte. Described authoritatively by J. Torrey in 1851, this plant continues to intrigue scientists and nature lovers with its striking appearance and complex ecological relationships.

Common Names

Eng: snowplant
En: Snowplant
Zh: 血晶兰
Ko: 사코디스
Ru: Саркодес
Zh-hant: 血晶蘭

Synonyms

• Pterosporopsis sonoraensis (Kellogg ex Curran)
• Pterosporopsis sanguinea ((Torr.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Sarah Allen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Mark Bagdon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by L.M. Staton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Dan du Plessis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2020 by Kevin Kevin Francis (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 8, 2011 by EOL − Byrain (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by TheDinoDiner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by Quinn Mer Quinn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2022 by Martin Hurle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2020 by Alam Gres (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 22, 2014 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 24, 2016 by EOL − rickwalks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 8, 2022 by Olivier Girard (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 20, 2013 by EOL − Tom Scott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 9, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2012 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 18, 2015 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 28, 2020 by Vila Albert (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 18, 2001 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2006 by EOL − Susan Prince (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 30, 2013 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2013 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Muscariaman (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888363)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:227700-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sarcodes sanguinea Torr.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth