Monotropastrum humile, a
saprophyte occurring in somewhat dark, damp places in mountainous
regions, lacks chlorophyll pigments throughout, so it looks white.
Stems are as tall as 20cm, with many scales leaves in an alternate
arrangement. Single flowers set themselves on stem tips and bloom
facing downward; the corolla's segments, 3-5, tubular, with ten
stamens, and the pistil's angles expand and tinge purple. Sap fruit
is spherical and matures, still keeping facing downward. Bloom time:
May-August. |