Ghost Pipe plant
Monotropa uniflora, more commonly known as Ghost Pipe or Indian Pipe, is a unique perennial plant. This plant is non-photosynthetic with a white and waxy appearance, causing it to commonly be mistaken for a fungi [1].
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Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus | Species | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Plantae | Angiosperms | Eudicots | Ericales | Ericaceae | Monotropa | M. uniflora |
[2]
Ghost pipe was formerly considered to be part of the Ericaceae family, but most recent evidence now puts it in the Monotropaceae family [3].
Description
Ghost pipe plants are perennials that grow in small clusters on the forest floor [5]. They have a stem, with scale-like leaves that grow about 10 - 30 cm tall and on top, curves downward into a white, five parted flower [3]. As the plant ages, the stalk will straighten and the flowers will point upwards. The ghost pipe plant is one of approximately 3000 species that does not contain chlorophyll, which is what gives it the white, translucent coloring [4]. Because it lacks chlorophyll, it does not carry out photosynthesis and is considered to be a saprophyte [1]. "It parasitizes parasitic tree fungi" and has been known to form associations with more than a dozen different types of fungi [4].
Habitat & Range
Monotropa uniflora is native to North America and is found throughout the country (excluding the Rocky Mountain area) and can also be found in Asia [3], Russia and northern South America [5]. Ghost pipe prefers to live in woodland humus [2] and likes rich, moist soil. It is found mostly in shaded areas where other green plants cannot live, as it does not require the sun for photosynthesis [4].
Uses
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Ghost pipe has traditionally been used in many ways to aid in human health. The herbal actions of Monotropa uniflora include nervine, anodyne, diaphoretic, sedative, and antispasmodic. A tincture can be made to ease pain, both physical and emotional and has been recommended as an alternative to opiates[5]. It has been used as a remedy for spasms and to help children who suffer from epilepsy or fits. It is known to calm nerves and restlessness and assists symptoms of PTSD. The flowers can be chewed to help with toothaches and an infusion of the leaves used to treat colds and fevers. The entire plant is edible, but remains tasteless unless cooked, in which case tastes like asparagus [4].
References
[1] “Indian Pipe (Monotropa Uniflora) Species Page.” http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/Wildflowers_Kimonis_Kramer/PAGES/INDIANPIPE_PAGE_FINAL.html.
[2] “Ghost Pipes (Monotropa Uniflora) - JungleDragon.” https://www.jungledragon.com/specie/1379/ghost_pipes.html.
[3] “Ghost Pipe.” https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/monotropa_uniflora.shtml.
[4] “Ghost Pipe Facts and Health Benefits,” September 19, 2018. https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/ghost-pipe/.
[5] Wisdom of the Plant Devas. “Ghost Pipe: A Hauntingly Rare Plant for Physical and Emotional Pain,” October 4, 2019. https://wisdomoftheplantdevas.com/2019/10/04/ghost-pipe-a-hauntingly-rare-plant-for-physical-and-emotional-pain/.