This is a genus with just two species of which only E. aphyllum is found in Europe, the other species E. roseum occurs widely in the tropical forests of Asia and Africa.
The
species are both saprophytic and depend entirely on mycorrhizal fungus for their nutrition.
The underground system comprises a coral-like rhizome which is
surrounded by fine hair (they do not have roots). Propagation is
vegetative by means of a wide network of stolons that form buds at
their tip, which in turn develop into new plants that separate as the
original dies.
The
flowers are scented and visited by pollinating insects although seed is
rarely produced. The pollination mechanism is robust and requires an
amply proportioned insect to achieve success. Bumble bees seem
to be the ideal attendant.
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