Wildlife Wednesday 08/07/2024

It’s #WildlifeWednesday and we are showcasing an intriguing ephemeral plant that is coming up in the area, ghost pipe!

Monotropa uniflora, also called ghost plant and Indian pipe, is a herbaceous plant that is usually completely white in color, though sometimes will have hints of a pink hue. It flowers from early summer through early Autumn, usually after rainfall. The plants are 4-8 inches in height and covered with translucent scale-like leaves. 

The plant is parasitic and does not contain chlorophyll. Its hosts are fungi that have relationships with photosynthetic trees, so in essence it absorbs its energy from roots of other organisms. Since it does not require any sunlight to grow, it can pop up and thrive in dark environments in the understory of the forest. 

The complexity of the ghost pipe’s requirements  to grow make it very difficult to propagate so this fascinating plant is best appreciated in the forest!

Pictured is ghost pipe currently blooming on our Pond Trail at TWC Headquarters.