Mesmerizing Photo Reveals Owl-Like Parasitic Plant
the mesmerizing photo showcasing a weird, scowling parasitic plant that strikingly resembles an owl.
Mesmerizing Photo of Owl-Like Parasitic Plant Wins Award
A captivating picture of an unusual parasitic plant species, Thismia thaithongiana, has secured the top spot in the Plants and Fungi category of the World Nature Photography Awards.
The plant, resembling an owl, is photographed against a black backdrop, emitting a green glow. Chatree Lertsintanakorn captured this striking image in a remote wildlife sanctuary in Thailand.
Thismia thaithongiana, a myco-heterotrophic species, derives its energy and nutrients from fungi rather than photosynthesis. Discovered in 2018 in Thailand, it remains largely mysterious, known for its owl-like appearance.
photographer Suchat Chanhomhuan
The plant spends most of its life underground, emerging to reveal its distinct fruiting body. Lertsintanakorn, assisted by photographer Suchat Chanhomhuan, located it near tree bases in a Thai wildlife sanctuary.
This parasitic plant disrupts the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi by intercepting nutrients from the fungi. Despite its small size, measuring only 2 to 8 millimeters, Lertsintanakorn's photo earned Gold in the Plants and Fungi category of the World Nature Photography Awards, showcasing the beauty and intrigue of the natural world.
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