Geosiris

Geosiris is the only genus in the Iridaceae family that lacks chlorophyll, and derives its nutrients (mostly carbon) from associated fungi in a relationship called mycoheterotrophy. It grows from a short, thick, underground rhizome in leaf litter in the shade of forests, and has blue to violet or white flowers. There are two species, one from Madagascar and one from Mayotte in the nearby Comoro Islands.


Geosiris aphylla Baill. is found in central and eastern Madagascar. Photos from iNaturalist taken in Madagascar by Romer Rabarijaona and ehbidault and shared under a CC BY-NC license.

Geosiris aphylla, iNaturalist, Romer Rabarijaon, CC BY-NCGeosiris aphylla, iNaturalist, Romer Rabarijaon, CC BY-NCGeosiris aphylla, iNaturalist, Romer Rabarijaon, CC BY-NCGeosiris aphylla, iNaturalist, ehbidault, CC BY-NCGeosiris aphylla, iNaturalist, ehbidault, CC BY-NCGeosiris aphylla, iNaturalist, ehbidault, CC BY-NC

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