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This non-green, waxy plant gets its nourishment from decayed organic material through a fungal relationship (mycorrhiza) associated with the roots. The plant turns black as the fruit ripens or when it is picked and dried. (Niering)
Indian Pipe, is often mistaken as a fungus, but it is actually a flowering plant that has adapted to live where few other plants could survive. Usually seen from June to September, in deeply shaded woods. Unable to produce chlorophyll, it must get its nutrients from other organisms. (Chlorophyll is a molecule that gives green plants their colour and is needed to convert soil nutrients, water and sunshine into food.) The roots of Monotropa uniflora tap into the mycelia (thread-like roots) of certain types of fungi to get its nutrients. Meanwhile, the mycelia gets its nutrients from the roots of certain trees in the same way. (This relationship between fungi and trees, where both get nutrients and benefit from the association, is called a mycorrhizal relationship. There has not been enough research undertaken to determine whether the association between this ""ghost"" plant and mycelia (directly) or the tree (indirectly) is mutually beneficial or parasitic. (Mycorrhizas)
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