Yellow Bird's-nest
Monotropa hypopitys L.
Monotropa hypopitys, known as Yellow Bird's-nest, is a herbaceous perennial in the Ericaceae family. It is a mycotrophic plant, relying on tree mycorrhizal networks for nutrients and carbon. Native to temperate Northern Hemisphere regions, it lacks chlorophyll and does not photosynthesize. The species name derives from Latinized Greek, meaning 'under the pine,' reflecting its typical habitat.
Description
Monotropa hypopitys is a member of the Ericaceae family and the Monotropoideae subfamily. It is commonly called Yellow Bird's-nest in Britain and Ireland, and pinesap or false beechdrops in North America. This plant is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere but is considered scarce in its range. It is a mycotrophic species, meaning it depends on parasitizing the mycorrhizal networks of trees for sustenance. Lacking chlorophyll, it does not perform photosynthesis. The name M. hypopitys is derived from the Latinized Greek terms hypo- ('under') and pitys ('pine'), indicating its frequent growth beneath pine trees.
Other common names
Yellow Bird's-nest
Synonyms
Monotropa glabraMonotropa hirsutaMonotropa epirrhiziumMonotropa hypoxyaMonotropa japonicaMonotropa latisquamaMonotropa hypophegeaMonotropa abietinaMonotropa flagransMonotropa nepalensisMonotropa nipponicaMonotropa proceraMonotropa squamiformisMonotropa taiwanianaMonotropa hypopitys var. latisquamaHypopitys brevisHypopitys dentataHypopitys europaeaHypopitys glabraHypopitys hypophegeaHypopitys hypopitysHypopitys latisquamaHypopitys luteaHypopitys monotropaHypopitys multifloraHypopitys racemosaHypopitys riviniHypopitys secundaHypopitys strictaMonotropa hypopitys var. japonica
