Monotropastrum Humile
Contents
Description
Monotropastrum Humile, commonly known as the Humble Pinesap, is a small, non-photosynthetic plant that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is a mycoheterotroph, which means it obtains its nutrients from fungi that are associated with the roots of trees. The Humble Pinesap is found in the northern hemisphere, particularly in North America, Asia, and Europe. It is a rare plant that is often difficult to spot due to its small size and inconspicuous nature.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Monotropastrum |
Appearance
The Humble Pinesap is a small plant that grows up to 10 cm tall. It has a single stem that is covered with small, scale-like leaves. The stem is reddish-brown in color and is topped with a cluster of small, white or pinkish flowers. The flowers have a bell-shaped structure and are about 1 cm long. The plant is non-photosynthetic, meaning it does not have green leaves and cannot produce its own food through photosynthesis.
Care Guide
The Humble Pinesap is a difficult plant to grow and maintain. It requires specific conditions to thrive, including:
- Water: The plant requires moist soil, but it should not be waterlogged. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering it.
- Fertilization: The Humble Pinesap does not require fertilization. It obtains its nutrients from fungi that are associated with the roots of trees.
- Soil: The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be planted in soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The Humble Pinesap prefers shaded areas with minimal sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Humble Pinesap is not known to be affected by any specific pests or diseases. However, it is vulnerable to damage from environmental factors such as drought or extreme temperatures. It is also sensitive to disturbance from human activity or animals, which can disrupt the association between the plant and its fungal partners.
Habitat
The Humble Pinesap is found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as meadows and bogs. It is often found growing in association with trees such as pine, spruce, and fir, as well as with other non-photosynthetic plants such as Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) and Coralroot (Corallorhiza spp.). The plant is typically found in areas with moist, well-drained soil and shaded conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: What is a mycoheterotroph?
A: A mycoheterotroph is a plant that obtains its nutrients from fungi that are associated with the roots of trees.
Q: Is the Humble Pinesap a rare plant?
A: Yes, the Humble Pinesap is a rare plant that is often difficult to spot due to its small size and inconspicuous nature.
Q: What is the habitat of the Humble Pinesap?
A: The Humble Pinesap is found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as meadows and bogs.
Q: Does the Humble Pinesap require fertilization?
A: No, the Humble Pinesap does not require fertilization. It obtains its nutrients from fungi that are associated with the roots of trees.
Related Plants
- Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora)
- Coralroot (Corallorhiza spp.)
- Pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys)
- Snow Plant (Sarcodes sanguinea)
References
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Monotropastrum humile. Retrieved June 30, 2021, from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250090146
- Lendemer, J. C. (2012). Monotropastrum humile. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T195267A2443633. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T195267A2443633.en
- The Morton Arboretum. (n.d.). Monotropastrum humile. Retrieved June 30, 2021, from https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/humble-pinesap
