Maltese fungus
Maltese fungus is a genus of parasitic perennial flowering plants in the family Cynomoriaceae. This plant has no chlorophyll and is unable to photosynthesise. The genus consists of only one species. The low-growing inflorescence emerges on a fleshy, unbranched stem (most of which is underground) with scale-like, membranous leaves. Dark-red or purplish, the inflorescence consists of a dense, erect, club-shaped mass, of minute scarlet flowers, which may be male, female or hermaphrodite. The fruit is a small, indehiscent nut.