Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa

Description

Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa is a unique flowering plant that belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. It is also known as Monotropa hypopitys and is commonly referred to as Yellow Bird’s-nest. It is an unusual plant that lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize, therefore it is entirely dependent on the fungi around its roots for nutrients. The plant has a yellowish or reddish-brown color and the flowers are small, bell-shaped, and hang downwards. It grows up to 30 cm in height and flowers in late summer.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ericales
Family	Ericaceae
Genus	Hypopitys

Appearance

Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa has a unique appearance. The plant has a yellowish or reddish-brown color with a fleshy stem that is hairy towards the top. It grows up to 30 cm in height and has a few leaves that are scale-like and spirally arranged around the stem. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and hang downwards. They are yellowish-white to pale pink in color, and the petals have a waxy texture. The fruit of the plant is a small capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.

Care Guide

Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa is a low-maintenance plant, but it requires specific care to thrive. Here are some care tips:

• Water: The plant prefers moist soil, and it should be watered regularly during the growing season. In winter, it should be watered sparingly.
• Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization because it obtains its nutrients from the fungi around its roots.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade, and it should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it may be attacked by slugs, snails, and aphids. If the plant is infected with a fungal disease, it may wilt, turn brown, or develop black spots on the leaves. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should remove the infected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.

Habitat

Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It grows in deciduous and coniferous forests, and it is often found in shady areas with moist soil. The plant is also found in heathlands, moors, and meadows.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa photosynthesize?

A: No, the plant lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. It is entirely dependent on the fungi around its roots for nutrients.

Q: What is the color of the flower of Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa?

A: The flowers are yellowish-white to pale pink in color.

Q: Is Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa susceptible to many pests and diseases?

A: No, the plant is not susceptible to many pests and diseases. However, it may be attacked by slugs, snails, and aphids, and it may also be infected with a fungal disease.

Q: What is the preferred habitat of Hypopitys Monotropa Subsp. Monotropa?

A: The plant prefers deciduous and coniferous forests, heathlands, moors, and meadows. It is often found in shady areas with moist soil.

Related Plants

• Hypopitys monotropa var. japonica
• Monotropa uniflora
• Pterospora andromedea

References

• “Hypopitys monotropa (L.) Hill.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 14 September 2021. www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60460577-2.
• “Monotropa hypopitys.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 September 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281043&isprofile=0&.
• “Hypopitys monotropa.” Flora of North America. Accessed 14 September 2021. www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250101377.