First American parasitic plant

Thursday, October 9th, 1823 – At 6 o’clock in the morning [another early start!] I had the pleasure of meeting Dr Hosack, who had come to Albany to participate in yesterday’s proceedings. We breakfasted and then called on the Governor who, with his usual way, received us kindly. His duties occupied his time; he suggested to me to devote the day in the neighbourhood of the city.  I left them, having an invitation to call and spend the evening.  

Being informed when at Lockport, by David Thomas Esq.,…that Pterospora andromedea was to be found near Albany and, if he was rightly informed, south of the town – accordingly I set out visiting every place which was likely for it. After a search of seven hours I had the fortune to find it in a small ravine two miles south of Albany.  Being late in the season it was of course out of flower; a rusty stem covered with a glutinous substance.; I counted ninety-seven capsules on one stem.  How glad Mr Munroe and Mr Lindley would be to see it.

Pterospora, sometimes known as pinedrops, or Albany beechdrops, would be quite a find for Douglas and possibly his first encounter with an American parasitic plant. 

 

 ©2012 Walter Siegmund

His detailed description of it in his Journal accords very closely with today's Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pterospora

Pterospora, commonly known as pinedrops, woodland pinedrops, Albany beechdrops, or giant bird's nest is a North American genus in the subfamily Monotropoidiae of the blueberry family, and includes only the species Pterospora andromedea. It grows in coniferous or mixed forests.  Like all members of the Monotriopoidiae (see Monotropa), Pterospora andromedea lacks chlorophyll (trace amounts have been identified, but not enough to provide energy for the plant or to color it).  Plants exist for most of their life as a mass of brittle, but fleshy, roots. They live in a parasitic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, in which plants derive all their carbon from their associated fungus.

On going a few steps to the left.....I found it in a situation entirely different....The plants here were stronger than in the former place.  I have no doubt but it will cultivate.  A gentleman (Mr Tracy), Governor Clinton has just informed me of, is very fond of botany and from him I hope to have information as to it.  I propose in the morning to sow seeds of it.

Turning South

Wednesday, October 1st, 1823 – I went across the river again four miles down from the Falls, where there is great diversity of soil. Opposite what is called the Whirlpool grew three species of Quercus on barren rocks. On my returning to the inn I found that Mr Briscoe was to leave in the afternoon. The weather being bad, and the seeming approach of winter, made me anxious to get to New York as soon as possible. We accordingly set out and passed Stamford, where Mr Briscoe informed me Captain Sabine lived. The face of the country is variable, with some beautiful rising eminences. At 4 o’clock we reached Queenston, where I parted from Mr Briscoe. I am under great obligations to this gentleman. Crossed the river at Queenston for Lewiston on my way to Lockport. I got a box, packed my plants and then went to bed. 

Douglas has unequivocally turned south now, en route for New York. The journey will not be uneventful.