2. Monotropa uniflora L. (Indian pipe, ghost flower)
Pl. 374 n, o;
Map 1642
Stems 5–30 cm
tall, solitary or in small clusters, glabrous, usually white, less commonly
reddish-tinged, drying black. Leaves 5–14 mm long, 3–6 mm wide, glabrous, the
margins entire or slightly irregular. Inflorescences of a solitary flower
subtended by a single leaflike bract. Sepals apparently absent in Missouri
material (4 or 5 sepals, 7–10 mm long elsewhere). Petals 13–18 mm long, 5–9 mm
wide, broadly oblong, usually minutely hairy on the inner surface. Stamens with
the anthers elliptic, dehiscing by 2 slits across the tip. Stigma obconic, with
a relatively deep, irregular depression at the tip lacking a fringe of hairs.
Fruits with the body 10–12 mm long, 8–10 mm wide, capped by the persistent
style, the capsule wall segments thickened, persisting after dehiscence, often
into the following year. 2n=32, 48. August–October.
Scattered nearly
throughout the state but nowhere common (northern U.S. south to Florida, Texas,
Montana, and California, also Alaska; Canada, Mexico, Central America, South
America, Asia). Bottomland forests and mesic to dry upland forests.