Jackal food (Hydnora africana) is a parasitic plant native to southern Africa. It doesn’t photosynthesize—instead, it attaches to the roots of other plants to siphon off nutrients. In the 1700s, it was mistakenly described as a fungus, but it actually belongs to the flowering plant group—it’s just that its flowers grow underground, then surface after heavy rainfall. Once above ground, the flower gives off a carrion-like stench to attract insects that help pollinate it. The fruit of jackal food, which is similar to a potato, attracts a different crowd: animals like jackals, porcupines, and moles.
Photo: Ebony Black, flickr
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