Monotropa Uniflora..

[Ꮙℓἇ∂ἇ..aka Reɪvən ღ]

 

Indian Ghost Pipe also known as Corpse Flower- This fascinating plant (Monotropa uniflora) is definitely one of nature’s weird wonders. Because it has no chlorophyll and doesn’t depend on photosynthesis, this ghostly white plant is able to grow in the darkest of forests.

Many people refer to this strange plant as Indian pipe fungus, but it is not a fungus at all – it just looks like one. It is actually a flowering plant, and believe it or not, it is a member of the blueberry family.The pendant flowers of the Ghost Plant will develop into a fruit capsule that points upward.  According to Wikipedia, it was formerly classified in the family Monotropaceae but now is included in the Heath family, Ericaceae.  This would make it a cousin of Rhododendrons, Madronas, Salal and Kinnikinnick.  On the other hand, the USDA says exactly the opposite, formerly Ericaceae, but now Monotropaceae, the Indian Pipe family.

The Ghost Plant is parasitic meaning it derives benefit at the expense of another organism.  It contains no chlorophyll and thus cannot produce its own energy from sunlight.  Instead, it parasitizes certain mycorrhyzal fungi that are associated with the roots of nearby trees.

Carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis in the tree are passed through its roots to the fungus.  In exchange, the fungus provides water and minerals to the tree.  The association also imparts disease protection to the tree.  Nutrients produced by one tree can be shared with other trees and plants through the fungal network.  By this mechanism, the big "mother trees" help to nurture the smaller, weaker trees and other plants in the forest.

The Ghost Plant takes nutrients from the fungus without giving anything back.  It thus derives its energy from photosynthetic trees by stealing it from the fungi.  It can grow in complete shade as it doesn't need any sunlight at all.

[Morell Sunweaver]

What a plant to see.

[Ꮙℓἇ∂ἇ..aka Reɪvən ღ]

Yes indeed its pretty beautiful, the top section to me looks like a ballerinas dress

and I've only seen it once while on my treks here,but sadly it wasn't as pretty as these photo's as it was already dying when I got there so had turned brown/black..still nice to know it is here in our denser bush areas.