It looks like a sand mushroom but it is actually a rare desert plant native to specific areas, in the Sonoran Desert. This plant is also parasitic, which has negative connotations but studies have shown that this plant can actually share water with other plants in times of drought.
The plant is commonly known as Sand Food or Pholisma sonidoe, it clings to the roots of desert shrubs such as buckwheat and grass, siphoning off nutrients.Despite its parasitic nature, Sand Food does not steal water from its host. Instead, it absorbs water directly from the air through small pores in its scaly leaves.Interestingly, there is some evidence that during droughts, sand food might even share some of this absorbed water with its host, creating a more symbiotic relationship.When it blooms, it produces beautiful pink to purple flowers, a stark contrast to its usual grayish, white or brown color.
Unfortunately, Sand Food is under threat due to human activities. But there is hope. A campaign led by the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe aims to protect it by establishing a national monument. This could safeguard Sand Food and other rare plants for future generations to admire. Leaf of Life