Orobanche bulbosa. This was the reason I was out on the mountain today. Someone on the East Bay birding list posted a birding report from Mitchell Canyon, and added a postscript mentioning O. bulbosa. I love freaky plants, so off I went. This plant parasitizes the roots of chamise, so it has no chlorophyll and doesn't photosynthesize (I think). I found this pushing up in two spots, both identical: hot, dry, rocky areas with dense chamise and pretty much nothing else growing underneath. While I was a little bummed that it wasn't flowering (they're purple), they look pretty awesome regardless, and it's good to know where they are. Thanks for the tip, Ted!