Indian pipes

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 they do not contain cholorphyll.  Indian pipes obtain their nutrients from Mycorrihizal 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 1.jpg

Indian pipes

Indian pipes 3.jpg

Indian pipes

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • msu plant & pest diagnostics,
  • perennial,
  • weed

About

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).