Monday, November 4, 2013

A Whiter Shade Of Pale



I actually got these pictures weekend before last at Hoffler Creek when we took Jr and friends to their Fall Festival. Lots of 'treasure hunts' through the woods and fun and games. Plus, spotted by Banished Jr. , these curious plants. It's another of those things read about before but not seen. This is the Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora).
 Totally lacking in chlorophyll this plant feeds on the roots of trees via fungi that live on its roots. Fascinating and oddly beautiful. This little clump is late in the season and has been fertilized and is well on the way to fruiting. While it has no green coloration it is still a flowering plant and is insect pollinated. As it ages it does develop these interesting pink and red shades. Really a fascinating find. 

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