Groundcones have an odd look about them, similar to some tree cones, but sticking straight up out of the ground. They beg the question - what is that? They are a living plant of sorts, but since the forest doesn’t let much light reach the ground floor, they have given up on photosynthesis and simply draw food from the roots of trees. They pay a price for their theft – hungry bears eat groundcones in fall. Photographer: Elizabeth Flory