whimsy ([info]lord_whimsy) wrote,
@ 2008-07-18 11:09:00
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Entry tags:plants

MONOTROPA UNIFLORA





A parasitic plant that relies on fungus which in turn relies on the root systems of beech and oak trees. Indian Pipe (its common name) has no green chlorophyll of its own. I will post photos of its pale yellow cousin pinesap (Monotropa hypopithys) soon.


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[info]missfox
2008-07-18 03:25 pm UTC (link)
We have these at our cottage in Ontario - they're so strange and beautiful. :)

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[info]drhypercube
2008-07-18 03:36 pm UTC (link)
The Indian Pipes here in NH have been having a banner year - more (and in more places) than I've ever seen.

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[info]lord_whimsy
2008-07-18 03:40 pm UTC (link)
Yes--it's been a good year for plants, generally speaking. Both pinesap and indian pipe are doing exceptionally well down here. So are the white fringed orchids, which I will post soon.

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[info]macrame_owl
2008-07-18 03:42 pm UTC (link)
Indian pipe is my FAVORITE. Is there anyway to keep them as a potted plant? Or will they just turn black and die?

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[info]lord_whimsy
2008-07-18 03:44 pm UTC (link)
I wouldn't try it--their needs are very specific.

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[info]lord_whimsy
2008-07-18 05:54 pm UTC (link)
..which isn't to say that it's impossible, but they do require a certain kind of fungus that feeds upon the root system of certain types of tree, like beech or oak. They need moist soil with lots of rotten wood in a cool, shady area. It's almost as tricky as transplanting lady's slipper orchid, which is also dependent on certain soil fungus species. The best scenario is if you lived adjacent to such an environment and started them from harvested seed.

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[info]crowjake
2008-07-18 05:46 pm UTC (link)
wow they are so beautiful.

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[info]noralita
2008-07-18 06:22 pm UTC (link)
Thanks for re(?)posting this. I saw a little cluster over the July 4 weekend, when the beau took me to hike in the Ramapo reserve. I spied them and squealed "OOO! LOOKY! ghost plants!" and pointed them out having recognized them, I think, from a prior post of yours. Thanks for the proper name!

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[info]count_vronsky
2008-07-21 12:11 am UTC (link)
Oy! Ghost plants! My favorite too. Thanks your Lordship :)

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