This curious plant has no chlorophyll and therefore is incapable of photosynthesis. It is, in fact, a saprophyte, obtaining
its nourishment from decaying plant material in the soil.
Only the fleshy, ghost-like, flowers appear above ground,
nodding on 6-8" stems. Would you have guessed that
Indian pipes is in the heath family (Ericaceae), the same family as azaleas and blueberries? Indian pipes is actually widespread in eastern North
America, usually in dry woods and scrub. Look for its
strange flowers amongst the fallen leaves in October and
November.
This curious plant has no chlorophyll and therefore is incapable of photosynthesis. It is, in fact, a saprophyte, obtaining
its nourishment from decaying plant material in the soil.
Only the fleshy, ghost-like, flowers appear above ground,
nodding on 6-8" stems. Would you have guessed that
Indian pipes is in the heath family (Ericaceae), the same family as azaleas and blueberries? Indian pipes is actually widespread in eastern North
America, usually in dry woods and scrub. Look for its
strange flowers amongst the fallen leaves in October and
November.
