Indian Pipes

This plant contains no chlorophyll and feeds on nutrients supplied to it by a wood rotting fungus. The pink color seen here develops as the plant becomes fertilized. Prior to developing the color, the pipe is a whitish translucent color and is sometimes referred to with the name of Corpse Plant.

Very interesting Durwood. Is this plant indigenous to Tennessee, or did you take it during you travels?

Jim

It is found throughout Tennessee and is relatively common in the U.S. and Canada in rich soil in shady woods. I should have noted that the specimen shown here is about 6 inches in height.

Hey Durwood,

When you say it becomes fertilized, it becomes pink...what is doing the fertilization (if that is a really stupid question, please let me know)?

Thanks
James

That looks totally different than the ones I have seen here in Oregon.. Our seem to have larger stems and are grayish white. DAve

The flower is pollinated by insects such as bees.

Beautiful - so delicate. The leaves look like translucent insect wings.

Diana