
Hypopitys monotropa Crantz or Monotropa hypopitys L. fruiting shoot
Part of a large colony of flowering stems growing in sandy soil with many lichens (Cladina and Cladonia primarily) along a trail through a mixed forest of Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) and Black Spruce (Picea mariana).

"Monotropa hypopitys" is a herbaceous perennial plant. Unlike most plants, it 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.
Similar species: Ericales
By Gary B
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Uploaded Aug 11, 2019. Captured Aug 8, 2019 12:45 in Rice Lake Rd, Tofte, MN 55615, USA.