Laura Smith
Ghost pipe, also known as Indian pipe, is a herbaceous, parasitic, flowering plant. It is native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America. Ghost pipes are perennial plants that lack chlorophyll, giving them their distinctive pale white colour. They are often found in very dark or dense forests. Ghost pipes are myco-heterotrophs, meaning they feed by parasitising certain types of fungi, specifically those from the Russulaceae family, which include the Russula and Lactarius genus. This is in contrast to most plants, which contain chlorophyll and generate food using energy from sunlight. Ghost pipes have been used in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anxiolytic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Monotropa uniflora |
| Common Names | Ghost pipe, Indian pipe, ghost plant, corpse plant, ice plant, pipe plant |
| Description | Herbaceous, parasitic, non-photosynthesizing, perennial flowering plant |
| Colour | Pale white, sometimes with black flecks or pale pink coloration; rare variants may be deep red |
| Height | 4-8 inches tall |
| Leaves | Small, thin, and translucent; 5–10 mm long |
| Flowers | White, five-parted; one sharply curved stem per flower |
| Seeds | Small, ranging from 0.6–0.8 mm in length |
| Habitat | Temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America; often found in deep, shady woods |
| Food Source | Myco-heterotroph; parasitizes certain types of fungi (preferably from the Russulaceae family) instead of photosynthesizing |
| Toxicity | May be toxic to humans; has been used in herbal medicine as an analgesic and anxiolytic |
| Cultural Significance | Featured in Cherokee creation stories and poetry by Emily Dickinson; considered "sacred" by some |
Explore related products
![SKULL TurnLock Mini Wooden Pipe – Ultra-Compact Handcrafted Pipe with Rotating Slide Lid – Vintage-Inspired Pocket Smoking Accessory for Men, Collectors & Gift Buyers – Artisan Hardwood [Pack of 1]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LOnGgPS6L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Ghost pipes are plants, not mushrooms
Ghost pipes, also known as Indian pipes, are plants and not mushrooms. They are herbaceous, parasitic, non-photosynthesizing, perennial flowering plants native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America. They are part of the Monotropaceae family, formerly considered part of the Ericaceae family. The scientific name for the species is Monotropa uniflora, which means "once turned single flower", referring to the sharp recurving of the top of the stem. Each stem has only one flower, and the plants are generally 4-8 inches tall, with small scale-like leaves and white five-parted flowers.
Ghost pipes are unique in that they lack chlorophyll, the green substance that most plants use to turn sunlight into food. Instead, they are myco-heterotrophs, meaning they obtain their nutrients by parasitizing certain types of fungi. They do this by linking their roots with the mycelia of a fungus, allowing them to interrupt the flow of nutrients and feed themselves. The fungi that ghost pipes parasitize are often those from the Russulaceae family, including the Russula and Lactarius genus. These fungi have a mycorrhizal relationship with trees, where the fungus connects to the roots of a tree and obtains nutrients such as sugars, while also widening the tree's root system.
The relationship between ghost pipes and fungi is considered parasitic, as the ghost pipe takes what it needs to survive without giving anything back to the fungus. This has led to ghost pipes being referred to as ""mycorrhizal cheaters." However, some people argue that the relationship is beneficial and not parasitic, as the ghost pipe does not harm the tree or fungus.
Ghost pipes have been used in traditional medicine and herbalism due to their reported analgesic, anxiolytic, and nervine properties. They are also known as "spirit teacher plants" by some herbalists. However, wildcrafting and harvesting of ghost pipes are controversial, as they are considered sacred by some and are not widely available. Additionally, removing the flowering parts of the plant can impact the future fruit-bearing seeds and the reproduction of ghost pipes.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Superfood or Super-Myth?
You may want to see also
They are native to Asia and the Americas
Ghost pipe mushrooms, also known as Indian pipes, are native to Asia and the Americas. They are considered rare in most places, although they are common in many parts of Eastern North America. They are found in temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America, with large gaps between areas. The plant is native to places such as Nepal, Japan, Taiwan, Colombia, Mexico, and parts of Central America.
Ghost pipes are not mushrooms but unique organisms or herbaceous perennial flowering plants that lack chlorophyll, giving them a pale white colour. They depend on a mushroom network to survive. They are parasitic and tap into the mutual relationship between the roots of trees like oak and beech and certain kinds of fungi (in the Russulaceae family). They attach themselves to the fungi and get indirect nutrition from the tree.
The Latin name of the most common species, Monotropa uniflora, means "once turned single flower". Other names are ghost plant, corpse plant, and ice plant. The name "Monotropa" is Greek for "one turn", and "uniflora" is Latin for "one flowered", as there is one sharply curved stem for each single flower. M. uniflora is commonly found growing in clumps of two or more, with its fungal source nearby. The stems reach heights of 5–30 centimetres (2–12 inches), sheathed with highly reduced leaves 5–10 millimetres (3⁄16–3⁄8 inches) long, best identified as scales or bracts.
The Cherokee of North America feature the "pipe plant" in some of their creation stories. The legend states that the plant was named "Indian pipe" due to a group of chiefs quarrelling without resolution while passing a pipe around during the dispute. The Great Spirit then turned the chiefs into the plant, as they should have smoked the sacred pipe after making peace with each other. The plant is said to grow wherever friends have quarrelled.
Chopping Oyster Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
They are also called Indian pipes
Ghost pipe mushrooms, also known as Indian pipes, are a unique organism known as the "ghost plant". They are herbaceous, parasitic, non-photosynthesizing, perennial flowering plants. They are native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America, but with large gaps between areas. The plant is waxy white, but some specimens have been described as having black flecks or pale pink coloration. Rare variants may have a deep red colour. The name "Monotropa" is Greek for "one turn", and "uniflora" is Latin for "one-flowered", as there is one sharply curved stem for each single flower.
M. uniflora is commonly found growing in clumps of two or more, with its fungal source nearby. The stems reach heights of 5–30 centimetres (2–12 inches), sheathed with highly reduced leaves 5–10 millimetres (3⁄16–3⁄8 inches) long, best identified as scales or bracts. These structures are small, thin, and translucent; they do not have petioles but instead extend in a sheath-like manner out of the stem. Unlike most plants, it is white and does not contain chlorophyll. Instead of generating food using the energy from sunlight, it is parasitic, and more specifically a mycoheterotroph. Its hosts are in the Russulaceae family.
Indian pipes are known as myco-heterotrophs, which are plants that get their food by parasitizing other fungi instead of through photosynthesis. It does this by linking its roots with the mycelia of a fungus. Once it’s connected to the underground threads of a fungus, it can interrupt the flow of nutrients and feed itself. It gives nothing back to the fungus in this exchange, and takes what it needs to survive. In most cases, the fungus itself also has a mycorrhizal relationship with a tree. A mycorrhizal relationship is a beneficial exchange where mycelia of a fungus connects to the roots of a tree. The fungus gets access to nutrients such as sugars from the tree, and in return, it widens the tree’s root system. This allows the tree to take in more water and nutrients.
According to Cherokee legend, the plant was named "Indian pipe" due to a group of chiefs quarrelling without resolution while passing a pipe around during the dispute. The Great Spirit then turned the chiefs into the plant, as they should have smoked the sacred pipe after making peace with each other. The plant is said to grow wherever friends have quarrelled.
Mushrooms: Why Some People Don't Digest Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are parasitic and feed off fungi
Ghost pipe mushrooms, also known as fungus ghosts or ghost plants, are unique and intriguing organisms that belong to the genus Monotropa and the family Monotropaceae. What sets these mushrooms apart is their parasitic relationship with fungi. Unlike most plants, which generate their energy through photosynthesis, ghost pipe mushrooms are myco-heterotrophs, meaning they obtain their nutrition by parasitizing certain fungi. This parasitic relationship is a fascinating aspect of their biology, and understanding it provides insight into the complex dynamics of forest ecosystems.
The term "myco-heterotroph" refers to the ability of ghost pipe mushrooms to derive their energy and nutrients from fungal hosts. This parasitic relationship is established through a specialized structure called the haustorium, which allows the mushroom to attach itself to the roots of host fungi. By tapping into the fungi, the ghost pipe mushroom diverts nutrients away from its host, effectively stealing the products of the fungus' labour. This parasitic behaviour is a survival strategy that enables the ghost pipe mushroom to thrive in environments where light levels are low and competition for resources is high.
The host fungi that ghost pipe mushrooms depend on are typically members of the ectomycorrhizal community. Ectomycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships with the roots of trees, particularly conifers and some broadleaf species. In this mutualistic relationship, the fungus receives carbohydrates from the tree while helping the tree absorb water and nutrients from the soil. However, when a ghost pipe mushroom enters the equation, it upends this harmonious partnership by exploiting the fungi for its own benefit.
The parasitic nature of ghost pipe mushrooms raises interesting ecological questions. By diverting resources away from their fungal hosts, these mushrooms can indirectly affect the health and growth of trees associated with those fungi. In essence, the presence of ghost pipe mushrooms can influence the delicate balance of forest ecosystems. Furthermore, the specific relationships formed between ghost pipe mushrooms and particular fungal species contribute to our understanding of biodiversity and the complex web of interactions in natural environments.
While the parasitic nature of ghost pipe mushrooms may seem detrimental, it is important to recognize that they play a role in the overall functioning of ecosystems. They contribute to the cycling of nutrients and the maintenance of biodiversity. Additionally, their unique appearance and parasitic lifestyle have sparked curiosity and inspired further exploration and research into the complex relationships that exist within forest ecosystems. Understanding the intricacies of parasitic relationships, such as those exhibited by ghost pipe mushrooms, can provide valuable insights into the remarkable adaptations that organisms develop to survive and thrive in challenging environments.
As parasitic organisms, ghost pipe mushrooms have evolved to rely on fungi for their nutritional needs. This specialized lifestyle has allowed them to occupy a unique ecological niche, showcasing the remarkable diversity and complexity of interactions in the natural world.
Psychedelic Potency: Do Magic Mushrooms Lose Their Power?
You may want to see also
They have medicinal uses
Ghost pipe, also known as Indian pipe, is a flowering plant within the Heath Family, Ericaceae. It is native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America. Ghost pipe is a perennial plant that lacks chlorophyll, giving it a pale white colour. It is a myco-heterotroph, meaning it feeds by parasitising certain types of fungi instead of through photosynthesis. It does this by linking its roots with the mycelia of a fungus and interrupting the flow of nutrients to feed itself.
Ghost pipe has been used for medicinal purposes, including as a nervine, analgesic, and anxiolytic. It has been described as having a calming effect, helping with anxiety, pain, and insomnia. Some people who wildcraft this plant consider it sacred and defend their gathering of the aerial parts as ethical and sustainable. However, others argue that wildcrafting the plant contributes to "Plant Lust" and that it should be left alone to respect its medicine.
The plant contains glycosides and may be toxic to humans. It is said to have an asparagus-like flavour once cooked. While it is not listed as endangered, it is absent throughout the range of the Rocky Mountains and is listed as critically imperilled in Alaska and rare in California.
Ghost pipe is often associated with beech trees and fungi in the Russulaceae family. It is commonly found growing in clumps of two or more, with its fungal source nearby. The stems can reach heights of 5-30 centimetres, with small, thin, and translucent leaves. The flowers are white and visited by various bee and fly species, most commonly bumblebees, which are important for pollen dispersal.
Mushroom Supplements: Constipation Side Effect?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ghost pipe, also known as Indian pipe, is a flowering plant within the Heath Family, Ericaceae. It is native to temperate regions of Asia, North America, and northern South America.
Ghost pipes are white and do not contain chlorophyll, the green substance that most plants use to turn sunshine into food. They are generally 4-8 inches tall, with small scale-like leaves and white five-parted flowers.
Ghost pipes are considered rare in most places, although they are common in many parts of Eastern North America. In the United States, Alaska lists ghost pipes as critically imperiled, while California lists them as rare, threatened, or endangered.
Ghost pipes may be toxic to humans, but they have been used in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anxiolytic. Some people also report ingesting the plant, which has a calming effect.
