Indian Pipe
October 08, 2020
Photographer: Dale Chadwick
Summary Author: Dale Chadwick
The Indian pipe plant (Monotropa uniflora) is mycoheterotrophic. It's a member of the family Ericaceae which includes azaleas and blueberries. It lacks chlorophyll and depends on a complex relationship between fungus and trees, particularly beech, for nutrition. Because it doesn’t need sunlight, it's often found in the darkest parts of the forest.