This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

Re: [SG] Monotropa uniflora ( Indian pipe )

Cyan:
Monotropa is common in Nova Scotia. Here, it generally shows up in the
woods in early August.

Monotropa does not have any chlorophyll of its own (hence the translucent
white colour) and cannot manufacture its own food.  It lives in a
three-way association known as the "Conifer-Boletus-Monotropa"
association. Boletus is a fungus. It's mycorrhizal system (one might say
its "roots" although they are not really!) extract carbohydrates from the
tree (in this case pine or spruce, but sometimes also maple or oak) and
pass them to the Monotropa.  The reason that it "cannot be transplanted"
is that if it falls in a situation where there is no fungus to support it,
it won't grow.

This by the way is the same reason one "cannot transplant" Lady's Slipper
orchids. They  have a similar relationship between themselves, a fungus
and conifers. One may occasionally be successful, but only if the
mycorrhiza have come along as well, and if the plant is placed where
there is, or was previously, the right kind of conifer!

The Audubon Society Field Guide to N. American Wildflowers  (1979)
suggests that Monotropa is offen considered to be part of the larger
Heath Family (Ericaceae).

Marlene Davis in Nova Scotia. Zone 7.

On Fri, 24 Jul 1998, Cyan Engsun wrote:

>   Hi, I was wondering if any wildflower enthusiasts have tryed
> to grow this plant? It looks fascinating,all white,almost translucent.
>   My book says it grows in rich deep woods with ample duff. What
> is duff? It also says it can't be transplanted. Does anyone know of a
> good wildflower seed source for the midwest?
>   Has anyone ever even seen this plant? I know I haven't.
>         Thanks,
>               Cyan-zone 4 St.Paul,MN
>
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index