Ivy Creek Natural Area
Flora & Fauna >> Indian Pipe
Family Ericaeae, Monotropa uniflora
Although it resembles a fungus, this is actually a wildflower but it does not use chlorophyll. As a saprophyte it uses a symbiotic relationship with a fungus on its roots to obtain food.
This 3-inch to 12-inch tall plant is normally translucent white but tends to turn black within a few days. Indian Pipe usually grows in clusters in wooded areas in the summer.



