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pygmypipes

Scientific Name: Monotropsis odorata

Family: Monotropaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: KY (sweet pinesap), MD (sweet pinesap), TN (sweet

       

Monotropsis odorata

Also known as Sweet Pinesap, Pygmy Pipes, Carolina Beechdrops, or Appalachian Pygmy Pipes, Monotropsis odorata is a fascinating plant found in specific regions of the United States.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • As a small plant often found hidden amongst leaf litter, it may be difficult to spot.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Monotropsis odorata Schwein. ex Elliott
  • Family: Belongs to an unspecified angiosperm family, potentially related to plants found in pinesap.
  • Genus: Monotropsis is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species: Monotropsis odorata.
  • Synonyms: Monotropsis reynoldsiae (A. Gray) A. Heller, Schweintizia reynoldsiae A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in the southeastern United States, particularly in pine woodlands.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include the Appalachian region, Oconee County, South Carolina (Devil's Fork State Park), Rabun County, Georgia, Delaware, and Maryland.
  • Prefers open calcareous woods.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Described as a small species of monotropoid.
  • It is a perennial forb/herb.
  • The flowers are known to have a fragrance, signified by the odoriferous species name.

Quirky Facts

  • The flowers of Monotropsis odorata are said to smell like cloves.

Ecology

  • Monotropsis odorata is a saprophytic species, meaning it obtains nutrients from decaying organic matter rather than through photosynthesis.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Monotropsis odorata.
  • Flickr Hivemind contains a collection of photos tagged with "pygmypipes".
  • The USF Plant Atlas contains collection records.