uniflora-Example of a mico-heterotroph

Unlike most , it is white and does not contain . Instead of generating energy from sunlight, it is parasitic, more specifically a myco-heterotroph. Its hosts are certain fungi that are mycorrhizal with trees, meaning it ultimately gets its energy from photosynthetic trees. Since it is not dependent on sunlight to grow, it can grow in very dark environments as in the understory of dense forest. It is often associated with trees.[2] The complex relationship that allows this to grow also makes propagation difficult.

The plant is sometimes completely white but commonly has black flecks and a pale pink coloration.[3] Rare variants may have a deep red color. Common names include Indian Pipe plant, Ghost plant and Corpse plant. The stems reach heights of 10–30 cm, clothed with small scale- 5–10 mm long. As its scientific name suggests, and unlike the related Monotropa (but like the closely related Monotropastrum humile), the stems bear only a single , 10–15 mm long with 3-8 petals. It from early summer to early autumn, often a few days after rainfall.

Like most mycoheterotrophic plants, M. uniflora associates with a small range of fungal hosts, all of them members of .[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotropa_uniflora

Mycorrhizal fungal filaments in the soil are truly extensions of root systems and are more effective in nutrient and water absorption than the roots themselves. http://mycorrhizae.com/

More than 90 percent of plant species in natural areas form a symbiotic relationship with the beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. This mutualistic association provides the with relatively constant and direct access to carbohydrates, such as glucose and sucrose.[5] The carbohydrates are translocated from their source (usually leaves) to root tissue and on to the plant's fungal partners. In return, the plant gains the benefits of the mycelium's higher absorptive capacity for water and mineral nutrients due to the large surface area of fungal hyphae, which are much finer than plant roots, thus improving the plant's mineral absorption capabilities.[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycorrhiza