I was just commenting to Phil that I hadn’t seen an Indian Pipe wildflower yet this summer. And then, not even 5 minutes later, there was one on the side of the John Kendrick Woods Trail. It was perfect, under the tree with a little bit of sun shining on it.
Indian Pipe, a whitish, waxy, scaly stalk with nodding bell-shaped flowers, does not contain chlorophyll, so it doesn’t photosynthesize. Its nutrients come from decaying matter. They bloom in the rich woods from July through September, so you still have time to see it.
Have you ever seen one?
interesting detail:
“The cultural significance of the Indian Pipe plant extends to its appearance in folklore and mythology. The plant’s ghostly, ethereal presence has given rise to numerous legends and stories, with many attributing supernatural qualities to it.”
Apr 29, 2023
https://www.foraged.com/blog/what-is-so-special-about-the-indian-pipe-plant#