Kopsiopsis is a small genus of holoparasitic flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae (the broomrape family), order Lamiales. The genus contains two species, both native to the Pacific Coast of North America and commonly known as "groundcones" for the stout, cone-shaped appearance of their fleshy stems, which emerge from the soil with no green, photosynthetic tissue. As obligate holoparasites, Kopsiopsis plants lack chlorophyll entirely and derive all water and nutrients by attaching their haustoria (root-like organs) to the roots of host plants, typically shrubs in the rose or heath families. The genus was described by Beck and has at various times included the species under the older name Boschniakia, to which Kopsiopsis is closely allied.
The two accepted species are Kopsiopsis strobilacea (A.Gray) Beck, the California groundcone, and Kopsiopsis hookeri (Walp.) Govaerts, the Vancouver groundcone. Their appearance aboveground is striking: the inflorescence resembles a brown or purple pinecone rising directly from the forest floor, with tightly overlapping bracts concealing small tubular flowers. Because they are completely dependent on a host, Kopsiopsis plants appear only seasonally where a suitable host root system is present, making them inconspicuous outside of their brief flowering period.
Distribution
Kopsiopsis is native to the Pacific Coast of North America. K. hookeri (Vancouver groundcone) ranges from British Columbia south through the Pacific states, while K. strobilacea (California groundcone) is found in California. Both species grow in association with specific shrubby hosts in forest and chaparral habitats.
Ecology
Kopsiopsis species are obligate holoparasites that attach to the roots of host shrubs, lacking chlorophyll and producing no photosynthate of their own. They emerge from the soil only to flower and set seed, spending the rest of their life cycle entirely underground in association with the host root system. The inflorescence is fleshy and cone-like, with dense overlapping bracts concealing the flowers.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus Kopsiopsis Beck belongs to the family Orobanchaceae, order Lamiales. Its species were formerly placed in the genus Boschniakia, and the common name "groundcone" is shared by both genera. As of 2020, Kew's Plants of the World Online recognizes two species in Kopsiopsis. The authorship of the genus is attributed to Beck.
