Indian pipes are emerging from the leaf litter under trees in a wooded area.

Indian Pipes, Ghost Plant - Monotropa uniflora

Ghost plant, Indian Pipe – Monotropa uniflora

Ericaceae family

MI Status

Native

Life cycle

Parasitic Perennial wildflower.

Leaves

White, scale-like, and lacking chlorophyll.  Indian pipes obtain their nutrients from Mycorrhizal fungi that live symbiotically with trees and roots. 

Stems

Thick, white, or translucent.  These are usually found in clusters in wooded areas. 

Flowers and fruit

One white flower is produced per stem.  Fruit is an oval capsule.  Seeds are released through slits from the tip to the base of the capsule. 

Reproduction

Seeds

Indian pipes emerging from the leaf litter in a wooded area

Indian pipes

Indian pipes in a cluster in among leaf litter in a wooded area.

Indian pipes

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  • msu plant & pest diagnostics,
  • perennial,
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