Indian Pipe

Monotropa uniflora

Physical Characteristics

Monotropa uniflora is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan. Most areas of N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: The whole plant can be cooked[177]. It is tasteless if eaten raw, but has a taste like asparagus when it is cooked[105].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antispasmodic Epilepsy Febrifuge Hypnotic Nervine Odontalgic Ophthalmic Sedative Tonic Warts An infusion of the root is antispasmodic, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, tonic[21, 192, 222]. It is a good remedy for spasms, fainting spells and various nervous conditions[207]. It has been given to children who suffer from fits, epilepsy and convulsions[257]. The plant was used by some native North American Indian tribes to treat eye problems, the stem was bruised and the clear fluid of the stems applied to the eyes[213, 257]. The juice from the stems has also been used to treat nervous irritability, including fits and spasms[192]. It has been suggested in the past as a possible opium substitute[192]. An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat colds and fevers[257]. The crushed plant has been rubbed on bunions and warts in order to destroy them[257]. A poultice of the plant has been applied to sores that are difficult to heal[257]. The flowers have been chewed in order to bring relief from toothache[257]. Water extracts of the plant are bactericidal[222].

Known Hazards

The plant contains several glycosides and is possibly toxic[222].