I discovered a new (to me) plant this week: Monotropa uniflora, commonly known as Ghost Pipe or Indian Pipe. “Commonly known” is a bit misleading, however, since my research revealed that while the plant is found across the US, its occurrence is somewhat rare. It is absent in the southwest.

My sighting of the plant was accidental. My Australian Cattle Dog and I were riding from the house to the mailbox, when I spotted something white in the woods alongside the drive. Thinking it was wind-blown trash, I stopped to collect it for disposal. And spent the next half hour on my hands and knees, admiring these weird communities of colorless plants. The longer I remained nose-to-ground, the more of them I discovered. I assumed that they were some form of mushroom, but research revealed that it is not a fungus.

Ghost Pipe is not a saprophyte, which is a plant that lives off decaying plant, like mushrooms. Ghost Pipe (also known as Indian Pipe) does not photosynthesize like other plants do. Instead, it feeds off mycorrhizal fungus attached to the roots of another plant. This absence of photosynthesis explains why there is no green color to the plant. Ghost Pipes do not harm their hosts.

Ghost Pipes occur in wooded areas when an extended dry spell is followed by rain. They are usually located near Beech (Fagus) trees. Since they do not need sunlight for photosynthesis, they can survive in the deep shade of thick woodlands. Flowers dangle like bells until they mature, when they straighten their curved necks. They have a light, sweet fragrance. If you are lucky enough to spot these weirdos, don’t be tempted to pick one. Stems and flowers turn black when picked.