Ghost plant: fungus or flower?

World
Europe

00:43

Pale and translucent, the Indian pipe shimmers in the dark and damp woods, thus the name ghost plant.

Ghost plants live in dark and moist environment. /VCG Photo

Upon first glance at this bizarre plant, one might think Indian pipes are fungi. However, this fascinating plant is in fact a flowering plant. Its translucent petals usually bloom a few days after rainfall and can last from early summer to autumn.

Ghost plants do not conduct photosynthesis due to lack of chlorophyll. /VCG Photo

The strange white color of this plant indicates that it does not have chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that absorbs light and is essential in photosynthesis. This means that Indian pipes do not generate energy from sunlight.

The petals of ghost plants are translucent. /VCG Photo

To survive, this small plant – usually no taller than 30 centimeters – is parasitic. It dwells in moist environment that is rich with decaying plants and borrows nutrients from other fungi and trees.

(Cover images from screenshot.)

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