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 found in the states of Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia,[1] and is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the south-eastern United States. It is viewed as being uncommon throughout its range.
| Monotropsis | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| 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
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| Binomial name | |
| Monotropsis odorata | |
| Synonyms | |
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Schweinitzia Elliott ex Nutt. Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 2(Add.): 14 (1818), nom. superfl. | |
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.
References edit
- ^ a b "Monotropsis Schwein. ex Elliott | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 22 October 2022.
External links edit
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