The evolutionary mysteries of a rare parasitic plant: Shrinking plastids and strange reproductive strategies

The evolutionary mysteries of a rare parasitic plant: Shrinking plastids and strange reproductive strategies

At the base of mossy trees, deep in the mountains of Taiwan and mainland Japan or nestled in the subtropical forests of Okinawa, grows what most might mistake for a mushroom—but it is actually a very unique plant with some of the smallest flowers and seeds in the world.