Monotropa uniflora

Indian pipe

Monotropa uniflora, commonly known as Ghost Pipe or Indian Pipe, is a unique, non-photosynthetic perennial plant. Lacking chlorophyll, it derives nutrients from fungi rather than sunlight. This ethereal, translucent white plant thrives in shaded forest floors, offering a mysterious presence that has long fascinated herbalists and botanical enthusiasts alike.

  • Scientific name: Monotropa uniflora
  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Monotropa uniflora, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ericales and the family Ericaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Monotropa.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Ericaceae WCVP
Genus Monotropa WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Monotropa uniflora, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Japanese, it is called ギンリョウソウモドキ, while in Korean, it is known as 수정난풀. The French name for this species is Mono trope uniflore, and in Hebrew, it is written as מונוטרופה אוניפלורה. Additionally, in Russian, the plant is commonly called Подъельник одноцветковый.
Language Common Name Source
ja ギンリョウソウモドキ Wikidata
ko 수정난풀 Wikidata
fr Monotrope uniflore Wikidata
he מונוטרופה אוניפלורה Wikidata
ru Подъельник одноцветковый Wikidata
fi aavepiippu Wikidata
zh 水晶兰 Wikidata
ar غليون هندي Wikidata
zh-tw 單花錫杖花 Wikidata
arz غليون هندى Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of East Asia. In the Russian Far East, its presence is noted in the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and the Primorye region. Moving into China, the species can be found throughout the South-Central territories. Additionally, its range extends northward into the Inner Mongolia region. Collectively, these areas define the specific environmental niches where the plant thrives.

Region Area Source
Russian Far East Kuril Is. WCVP
Russian Far East Primorye WCVP
Russian Far East Sakhalin WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China Qinghai WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
China Tibet WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP

Chemicals

Monotropa uniflora has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include grayanotoxin I.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
grayanotoxin I 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Monotropa uniflora has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include pain management.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
pain management 1 ★☆☆☆☆