Pine Sap (Monotropa hypopithys)

A monotypic genus Monotropa is achlorophyllous and is mycoheterotrophic; that is, it utilizes fungi to obtain carbon from the roots of autotrophic plants. In the case of this species, the fungi are ectomycorrhizal fungi in the family Tricholomataceae.

A saprophytic, red, pink, lavender, or yellow plant with several vase-like, nodding flowers on a downy, scaly stem; stem and flowers colored alike.

Autumn-flowering plants are characterized by their red color, while early-flowering forms are yellow. Like its single-flowered relative, Indian Pipe (M. uniflora), Pinesap does not carry on photosynthesis but obtains its nourishment from fungi associated with roots, often those of oaks and pines. The closely related, similar Sweet Pinesap (Monotropsis odorata) has united petals; it occurs in Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky south to Florida and Alabama. Sweet Pinesap has two flowering periods: February to April, when the flowers produced are faded rose colored and very fragrant, and September and October, when the flowers are lavender and odorless.

Source: Wildflower.org Plant Database

September 12, 2023.

Acorn Town ForestKingstonPine Sap Monotropa hypopithysSummerdaily photowildflowers