Deviation Actions
Description
Oswego County Nature Park ( The Amboy 4-H Environmental Education Center, located at 748 Rte 183, between Routes 69 and 13, near Williamstown,)
748 State Route 183, Williamstown, NY 13493
43.446569, -75.953566
Monotropa uniflora, also known as the ghost plant, Indian pipe, or corpse plant, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to temperate regions of Asia, North America and northern South America, but with large gaps between areas.[1] It was formerly classified in the family Monotropaceae, however, it has now been included within the Ericaceae. It is generally scarce or rare in occurrence.
Unlike most plants, it is white and does not contain chlorophyll. Instead of generating energy from sunlight, it is parasitic, more specifically a myco-heterotroph. Its hosts are certain fungi that are mycorrhizal with trees, meaning it ultimately gets its energy from photosynthetic trees. Since it is not dependent on sunlight to grow, it can grow in very dark environments as in the understory of dense forest. It is often associated with beech trees.
(CharleCharles Webber @ California Academy of Sciencess Webber @ California Academy of Sciences)————————————
information courtesy of:
Island Creek Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools
Island Creek Elementary School
Indian Pipe has two special relationships; one with a tree, and one with a fungus. Actually, it's one relationship, where Indian Pipe takes nutrients from both the tree and the fungus at the same time.
Here's how it works: Since Indian Pipe has no chlorophyl, it can't make its own food like most plants. Therefore, it has to "borrow" nutrients, either from decaying plant matter, or from another organism. The way it does this is by having its roots tap into the mycelia (root-like threads) of a fungus. The Indian Pipe can then take nutrients directly from the fungus. Meanwhile, the fungus itself has another relationship going on with a tree. The fungus's mycelia also tap into the tree's roots. Many fungi and trees have this type of relationship -- it's called a "mycorrhizal relationship." The fungus gives nutrients to the tree and the tree gives nutrients to the fungus. Both organisms help each other out.
Indian Pipe, however, does not give anything back to the fungus or the tree. It takes nutrients from the fungus that the fungus had gotten for itself, and it also takes nutrients that the fungus had received from the tree. Since the fungus then has to take more nutrients from the tree, this makes Indian Pipe a parasite of both the fungus and the tree.
Indian Pipe doesn't become a parasite of every fungus and tree, only certain species. We don't know all the species yet, but we do know they use Russula mushrooms and Lactarius mushrooms. Some trees that have mycorrhizal reltionships with these mushrooms, and are used by Indian Pipe, include American Beech and pines.
Indian Pipe is a food source for small bumble bees, which visit flowers for nectar. The bees help the plant by pollinating it. Later, the plant grows tiny seeds.
Even though Indian Pipe is a beautiful plant, don't bother picking it (You shouldn't pick wildflowers anyway!!!!). It wilts and turns black very quickly.
Island Creek Elementary School
Fairfax County Public Schools
www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/eco…