Monotropa uniflora (Ghost plant)

Indian pipe

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USDA Plant Profile** Flora of N. America** ITIS

Scientific Name: Monotropa uniflora
Common Name: Indian pipe, ghost plant
Origin: Native
Notes: Monotropa formerly stood alone in its own class (Monotropaceae) but it now has many other genera to keep it company in the Ericaceae. It is one of a number of achlorophyllous plants which survive by associating with mycorrhizal symbionts.
Additional references:
1, * 2, * 3, * 4, * 5, * 6, * 7, * 8.

Field Marks for Identification:
Flowers: July; white to pink; pedicels with single nodding flowers becoming erect in fruit; petals usually 5, sepals and subtending bracts similar, oblong, 7-10 mm long; tips turn black on drying; seeds numerous and small, less than 1 mm long, . Leaves: reduced or missing, achlorophyllous.
Glossaries of botanical terms:
1 * 2 * 3 * 4 * 5 * 6 * 7 * 8.

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