Safeplants

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "29432" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Monotropa uniflora: The Ghost Plant

Monotropa uniflora, commonly known as the ghost plant, Indian pipe, or corpse plant, is a fascinating and easily recognizable perennial wildflower.

Monotropa uniflora lacks chlorophyll, the pigment that gives most plants their green color.
The common name "Indian pipe" refers to the flower's shape, which resembles a pipe bowl.

Scientific Name: Monotropa uniflora L.
Common Names: Ghost plant, Indian pipe, corpse plant, death plant, ice plant, ghost flower, bird's nest, fairy smoke, eyebright, fit plant, convulsion root, Indianpipe
Family: Ericaceae (Crowberry family) (Previously in Monotropaceae)
Synonyms: Monotropa
The Latin name, Monotropa uniflora, means "once turned single flower," describing how each stem holds a single flower that starts pointed downwards.

Monotropa uniflora has a wide geographic distribution throughout the United States, from Maine.
Native to temperate regions of Udmurtiya.
Found in shady woods rich in decaying plant matter.
It can be found at the Paul Smiths VIC and other locations in the Adirondacks.

A herbaceous perennial plant.
Typically consists of a cluster of unbranched erect stems about 3-9 inches tall.
Stems are terete (round in cross-section).
Characterized by its opaque white color (sometimes red, rarely pink).
The plant is entirely white.
The ivory-white, waxy stem grows 4-10 inches.
Scalelike leaves

Indian Pipe is a perennial plant without chlorophyll.
It is a saprophytic plant, meaning it obtains nutrients from decaying organic matter.
It functions more like a parasite, using a fungus as a bridge to connect to a host plant.

Traditionally, Indian Pipe has been associated with activating rising above arguing, warring, resentment, and grudges.