Ghost Plant aka. Indian Pipe
Monotropa uniflora
39.4126, -76.4636
Field Notes
Description:
Unlike most plants, it is white and does not contain chlorophyll. Instead of generating energy from sunlight, it is parasitic, more specifically a myco-heterotroph. Its hosts are certain fungi that are mycorrhizal with trees, meaning it ultimately gets its energy from photosynthetic trees. Since it is not dependent on sunlight to grow, it can grow in very dark environments as in the understory of dense forest.The white is almost sparkling when the light hits it.
Habitat:
Deep in a forest, along a hiking trail. A small creek was nearby.
Notes:
Located in Gunpowder Falls State Park, Baltimore County, MD.
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