Mycoheterotrophic plants are unique organisms that obtain nutrients and energy by parasitizing fungi rather than through photosynthesis. These plants lack chlorophyll, which means they cannot produce their own food from sunlight. Instead, they rely on a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which connect to the roots of nearby plants. The fungi absorb nutrients from the soil and transfer them to the mycoheterotrophic plants. Examples of mycoheterotrophic plants include species like Monotropastrum humile and Corallorhiza orchids. These plants are often found in forest ecosystems, where they thrive in shaded environments. Their dependence on fungi highlights the complex interactions within ecosystems and the importance of mycorrhizal networks in nutrient cycling.