| Monotropsis odorata | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Monotropsis |
| Species: | M. odorata |
| Binomial name | |
| Monotropsis odorata | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
| |
Monotropsis odorata, commonly known as 'Appalachian pigmy pipes, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Monotropsis , part of heath family.
Appalachian pigmy pipes is a small herbaceous plant with an above ground portion consisting entirely of inflorescences that grow to just 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 in) in height. [3] The inflorescence is a raceme, a group of flowers attached to a stem without branches, with flowers nods when emerging from the soil, begin to face upwards when blooming, and become fully upright when fruiting. Its stem is maroon to dark-purple in color and is covered in 14 to 66 bracts. It bracts are lavender colored when fresh and paper-like and tan when mature. [4]
Their flowers are noticeably fragrant and this is used by observers to locate the plants. The odor can be reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, or violets. [3]
Monotropsis odorata was scientifically described and named in 1817 by Lewis David de Schweinitz. It is classified as part of the genus Monotropsis in the family Ericaceae. [2] This genus is quite small, containing just one other species, Monotropsis reynoldsiae . [5] It has no accepted varieties, but it has 7 synonyms according to Plants of the World Online. [2]
| Name | Year | Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptophila pudicaW.Wolf | 1922 | species | = het. |
| Cryptophila pudica f. knapkeiW.Wolf | 1922 | form | = het. |
| Cryptophila pudica f. maximaW.Wolf | 1922 | form | = het. |
| Monotropsis lehmaniaeBurnham | 1906 | species | = het. |
| Monotropsis odorata var. lehmaniae(Burnham) H.E.Ahles | 1964 | variety | = het. |
| Schweinitzia carolinianaG.Don | 1834 | species | = het. |
| Schweinitzia odorata(Schwein.) Raf. | 1818 | species | ≡ hom. |
| Notes: ≡ homotypic synonym ; = heterotypic synonym | |||
Monotropsis odorata is known by the common names Appalachian pigmy pipes and Carolina beechdrops. [3]
