Indian Pipe

Description:

A saprophytic ericaceous herb that derives energy not from the sun but from symbiotic relationships with specialized mycorrhizal fungi. As they do not require photosynthesis, they are often found in very heavily shaded areas. However, the fungi the plants need are dependent on symbiotic relationships with trees, oftentimes beech, and thus the Indian pipe indirectly uses the trees for nutrition. The only time this plant is seen above ground is when it blooms in the summer.