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indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) emerging in Winneshiek Co. IA 854A3557

Indian pipe is just beginning to bloom around here. Also known as the ghost flower, the plant produces no chlorophyll and so taps into the mycelium of surrounding Russula mushrooms. I'll bet you really want to see one of those red Russulas since I've mentioned them so often lately. Soon. These plants look waxy and rather cold and clammy, hence yet another local name - corpse flower.

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Uploaded on July 25, 2016
Taken on July 24, 2016