[Wikipedia] Description, Pollination, Taxonomy, Ecology, Toxicity, Uses, Cultural References: The plant is waxy white, but some specimens have been described as having black flecks or pale pink coloration.[3] Rare variants may have a deep red color. The name "Monotropa" is Greek for "one turn" and "uniflora" is Latin for "one flowered" as there is one sharply curved stem for each single flower. M.uniflora is commonly found growing in clumps of 2 or more, with its fungal source nearby. The seeds of M. uniflora are small, ranging between 0.6 to 0.8 mm in length.[8] Once the plant has been pollinated, the seeds are pushed through the petals in a tiny slit and dispersed via wind methods. Taxonomy: It was formerly classified in the family Monotropaceae, but is now included within the Ericaceae. It is of ephemeral occurrence, depending on the right conditions (moisture after a dry period) to appear full grown within a couple of days. Ecology: The flowers of M. uniflora are visited by various bee and fly species, most commonly bumblebees.[13] Bumblebees are an important pollen dispersal agent for the plant, crawling into the flower for pollen. It is often associated with beech trees.[11] Toxicity: The plant contains glycosides and may be toxic to humans.[15] Uses{ In addition to various reported medical uses,[15] the plant has been used as an anxiolytic in herbal medicine since the late 19th century.[16] This may be due to the plant containing salicylic acid.[17] Walter H. Prest described the plant as having an asparagus-like flavor once cooked.[18] Cultural References{ M. uniflora has been featured in several pieces from renowned American poet Emily Dickinson.[19] The Cherokee of North America feature the "pipe plant" in some of their creation stories. The legend states that the plant was named "Indian pipe" due to a group of chiefs quarreling without resolution, while passing a pipe around during the dispute; the Great Spirit then turned the chiefs into the plant, as they should have smoked the sacred pipe after making peace with each other. The plant is said to grow wherever friends have quarreled.[20][21][22] (link added by Mary Ann Machi)