Monotropa (Noun)
Meaning
Leafless fleshy saprophytic plants; in some classifications placed in the family Pyrolaceae.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The unique appearance and properties of Monotropa uniflora have led to various colloquial names, such as ghost pipe or Indian pipe.
- Monotropa grows in shaded acidic soils, mainly in North America and in a relatively restricted environment.
- It is sometimes difficult to tell whether Monotropa species are found above an old decaying log or thriving around nearby fungi.
- Monotropa saprophytic organisms essentially obtain nutrition from fungi that have already broken down the decaying organic material.
- The subterranean habits of Monotropa suggest a preference for and greater reliance on subterranean, predominantly fungal food sources.