Ghost pipe, also known as Indian Pipe or corpse plant, is a white, waxy, and translucent wildflower. Ghost pipe, which resembles a spine and brain stem, was used traditionally to treat issues with the nervous system. The plant is believed to be a remedy to ease pain—both physical and emotional. Ghost pipe can also appear pink with black specks. It is sometimes mistaken as a mushroom based on its appearance. The flower doesn’t have a fragrance and when picked, will quickly wilt and turn black.
Ghost pipe does not contain chlorophyll and does not carryout photosynthesis. Instead, the flower gets its nutrients from tree roots via mushrooms in the genera Russula and Lactarius. It is found mostly in shaded areas where other green plants cannot live, since it doesn’t require the sun for photosynthesis.
It measures 4 inches to 11 inches (10 to 30 centimeters) tall, ending in one white flower made up of five parts.
When the plant first blooms, the flower points to the ground. As it grows, it gradually straightens until its flower is pointed directly upward.
Other names for Ghost Pipe
The Ghost Pipe is known by many names including Indian pipe, Corpse Plant, Ice Plant, Death Plant, Bird’s Nest, Fit-plant, Ova-ova, Pipe-plant, Ghost-flower, Ghost Pipe, Fairy Smoke, Ghost Flower, Convulsion Root and Dutchman’s pipe.
