Indian pipe, aka ghost pipe, is a flowering plant that lacks chlorophyll. It evolved to survive in the sunless world of the deep forest floor, and acquires its energy by parasitizing surrounding trees.
These Indian pipe plants were found at the same spot as last year’s pipe.
Several summers ago I was walking on a trail on San Juan Island’s east side. The path was shaded by conifers, and covering the ground, just about everywhere, were hundreds of clusters of Indian Pipe. Truly abundant – and lovely.
Thank you, Alistair.