Indian Pipe or Ghost Plant

Although it is a wildflower, this odd beastie is often mistaken for some form of fungus.

The ghost plant has no chlorophyll, and doesn`t photosynthesize like regular plants. Instead, it draws its energy from mycorrhizal fungi, which, in turn, draw their energy from green plants.

While the relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi is generally mutually beneficial, myco-heterotrophs like the ghost plant are true parasites.