4

This small, skinny, plant was found at the Eastern end of Long Island, New York, USA. It was in an Oak Hickory forest.

I believe it's parasitic, meaning it has no chlorophyll and requires a host to reproduce.

Which species is this? Might it be some species of Orobanche?

enter image description here

Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL
  • 6,215
  • 8
  • 39
  • 74
That Idiot
  • 6,997
  • 4
  • 29
  • 52

1 Answers1

3

I am not sure, I am not from that area. But my two cents are Indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora), or some related species. They are indeed parasitic, they have no chlorophyll.

benn
  • 13,023
  • 2
  • 18
  • 39
  • I believe you are right. On another forum someone pointed out that it could be Montropa fruiting. Although I always note the flowering phase, I've never noted it at this phase. – That Idiot Jul 30 '19 at 13:00
  • Yes you (or the other forum) is right, fruiting as seen [here](https://www.flickr.com/photos/22032600@N04/10391238165/) is very similar. Pretty weird plant, almost alien! – benn Jul 30 '19 at 13:04