23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
The ghost of the forest - Indian Ghost Pipes
The Indian Ghost Pipe (Monotropa uniflora), a delicate and enigmatic plant, holds a special place in folklore and traditional medicine, yet it is often overlooked in modern times. Unlike most plants, it does not perform photosynthesis, instead obtaining nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with fungi. These plants can still be found in shaded forests, quietly emerging from the leaf litter, a reminder of nature’s hidden wonders and cultural heritage.
Photo Detail
| Date Taken: | 09.2025 |
| Date Uploaded: | 11.2025 |
| Photo Location: | Harvard, Massachusetts, United States of America |
| Camera: | Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Copyright: | © Corina Simian |