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Ghost pipe (Monotropa uniflora) (lemmy.world)
submitted 10 months ago by to c/plants@mander.xyz
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This is one of my top 10 plants because of its ecology. M.uniflora doesn't have any chlorophyll and thus can't photosynthesize. It gets its nutrients by parasitizing mycorrhizal fungi connected to tree roots.

This plant has some medicinal properties too. It's been the "in" thing to make a tincture from them. It's said it can treat pain, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

This is an old photo of mine from August 2024.

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[–] [S] 8 points 10 months ago (3 children)

I'm not sure, but that is a good point. That and seed dispersal seem like a good reason, that or it's a latent trait from a shared ancestor.

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  • [–] 4 points 10 months ago (2 children)

    The ones in my woods grow 3 or 6 inches tall. This picture makes them look huge!

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 10 months ago (1 child)

    These ones were probably 8" or so IIRC. I think these were the tallest I've found so far. Usually they're shorter and more hunched over.

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