Monotropsis
Monotropsis is a monotypic genus of plants containing the single species Monotropsis odorata, also known as sweet pinesap or pygmy pipes. It is a member of the subfamily Monotropoideae of the family Ericaceae. It is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the south-eastern United States, and is viewed as being uncommon throughout its range.
Monotropsis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Ericaceae |
Subfamily: | Monotropoideae |
Tribe: | Monotropeae |
Genus: | Monotropsis Schwein. ex Elliott |
Species: | M. odorata |
Binomial name | |
Monotropsis odorata | |
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.
Monotropsis odorata has a sweet smell which has been likened to nutmeg, cinnamon or violets.
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