Pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys) is a scarce or rare species that exists in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. On a good day, you can find it in the Sooke Hills like staff member Torrey did! Pinesap are perennial and lack the ability to photosynthesize, hence not having any chlorophyll which makes most plants green. While still considered a plant, a more precise classification is they are mycoheterotrophs. Instead of using the sun to derive nutrients, it partners with an underground mycorrhizal (aka mushroom) partner, which in turn is partnered with a tree! A three way partnership.
