Indian Pipe, Monotropa uniflora, is a rather common parasitic plant of the northwoods. I really like them. They pop up in the most dismal and unlikely places in the woods. Since they don't have chlorophyll they don't need any sunlight. Here's their normal color. Plain white.
On the little hike at Joe Wheeler State Park (Alabama), on the birding trail near the blind, one little clump of rare deep pink Indian Pipe almost didn't get noticed. I've never ever seen it before; had only read about it. If anyone else has noticed they may not have taken pictures, because I carefully cleaned some of the leaf litter away to show it off better.
Even though it was only one clump, I took pictures from several angles. At least I had enough knowledge to know how unusual this is.
It's just a total "WOW."
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I've never heard of it before but how cool that you found that.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I've never seen the pink Monotropa ~ it's beautiful! I judiciously collect the white Monotropa uniflora once every 5 to 7 years for Medicine making. It's powerful Medicine! And like you, I admire it. :)
ReplyDeleteAnn- you've never seen white ones either?
ReplyDeleteRose- It was phenomenal! Not familiar with medicinal qualities.
Not one we get Joan, would love to see it.
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