Monotropastrum Andres

Herbs perennial, obligate mycoparasitic, from persistent root system. Roots forming a rather dense mass. Stems absent. Leaves absent. Inflorescences scapose or racemose, arising in nodding position from roots; inflorescence bracts laminar, sessile, usually appressed to inflorescence axis. Flowers solitary on scapes or in several flowered racemes, each flower usually nodding at anthesis, erect in fruit. Sepals (1–)3(–5), occasionally absent, appressed to petals. Petals 3–5, oblong, abaxially glabrous, adaxially finely pubescent, base broadly saccate, apex dilated. Stamens ca. as long as petals, usually 6–10 in two series of alternating lengths. Anthers horizontally reniform, with terminal slits. Disk of paired lobes at bases of shorter series of stamens. Ovary 1-loculed, with 4 or 5 or more parietal placentae; style 3–6 mm, slender, merging imperceptibly with ovary, without visible dehiscence lines. Fruit an indehiscent berry. Seeds minute, numerous, ovoid, cell reticulate, without wings or appendages.

In dense mountain forest.