Monotropsis odorata

Monotropsis odorata
Monotropsis odorata
Conservation status

Vulnerable (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiospermae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Monotropsis
Species: M. odorata
Binomial name
Monotropsis odorata
Schwein. ex Elliot

Monotropsis odorata, also known as sweet pinesap or pygmy pipes is a member of the subfamily Monotropoidiae of the blueberry family, the Ericaceae. It was formerly placed in the Monotropaceae or Pyrolaceae. It is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States, and is viewed as being uncommon throughout its range.

Like all members of the subfamily, Monotropsis odorata does not contain chlorophyll; it is a myco-heterotroph, getting its food through parasitism upon fungi rather than photosynthesis. These fungi form a mycorrhiza with nearby tree species.


References

See also

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