Beech Drops - Epifagus virginiana

"Epifagus virginiana" — commonly called beech drops — is an obligate parasitic plant which grows and subsists on the roots of American beech. It is a member of the broomrape family. "Epifagus" is monotypic—containing only "E. virginiana". The name "Epifagus" derives from Greek "epi" meaning "on" or "upon", and "Fagus" which is the genus name of beech.