(USDA)
Species: Indian Pipe( Monotropa
uniflora), also ghost plant, corpse
plant
Range: Northern states and
southern provinces of
Climate, elevation: Higher elevations, moist
Local Occurrence: North Baker Lake,
Habitat preferences: Grows in rich moist woods, in
Plant strategy
type/successional stage: Lacking chlorophyll, Monotropa
uniflora cannot photosynthesize. It instead acquires carbon-rich
photosynthates in another way: from a nearby tree, via a shared fungal
root-association.
Associated species: Hypopitys
monotropa, Pinesap, Ericacaea(Heath Family)
May be collected as: seed
Collection restrictions or
guidelines: Allow pods to dry on plant;
break open to collect seeds.
Seed germination : Fungal-induced seed germination
is a phenomenon characteristic of mycorrhizal plants that produce dust-like
seeds with only minimal nutritional reserves. In such systems, fungi trigger
germination and/or subsidize development.
Seed life: Seeds have short shelf life planted in Autumn-Spring
:
Propagation
recommendations: From seed winter sow in
vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse. Sow the seed in leaf
litter under trees where host plant occurs. Monotropa uniflora has
delicate root systems that resist transplanting.
Soil or medium
requirements: Moist soil
pH requirements:
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Installation form (form,
potential for successful outcomes, cost): The plant roots also have a symbiotic relationship with a particular
species of soil fungi (pH dependant) to supplement its diet. It is difficult to
grow these outside the natural environment in which they were found.
Care requirements after
installed: Requires consistently
moist soil, do not let dry out between waterings
Normal rate of growth or
spread; lifespan: Grows to 12”,
perennial
Sources cited:
1.
2. Mathews, D. (1990). Cascade-Olympic Natural History. Raven Editions.
3. Armstrong, M. (1915). Field Book
of Western Flowers. C.P. Putman’s Sons
4.http://www.horticopia.com/hortpix/index.html,
6. Molecular Ecology
Volume 14 Issue 5
Data
Compiled by Maura Shelton April 13, 2006