We have
photographed both Monotropa uniflora (Indian Pipes, Ghostflower) and Monotropa hypopithys (Pinesap). Finding and
photographing Monotropsis odorata (The first access to photograph the Oconee
Bells was near the interpretive sign (Pygmypipes, Appalachian
Pygmy Pipes, Sweet Pinesap) would complete our checklist for this group
of plants.
Monotropsis
odorata has fragrant flowers; the fragrance has been described as being similar
to cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and violets. I expected that the fragrance would be
subtle and, as we began to keep an eye out for these plants, I remembered this
characteristic and inhaled deeply as we moved along the trail in the hope that
this would help us find them.
The first
hint of their presence came as we climbed the trail to a ridge (between the two
Oconee Bell sites on the map). The fragrance wasn’t at all subtle; it was
intense. It didn’t strike me as reminiscent of any of the suggested fragrances;
it was just very pleasant, even it a little strong. We hunted around the area
but couldn’t find any plants. After a while I began to think I had simply
smelled a cologne lingering from a previous hiker and we pressed on.
At the
second Oconee Bells site, we met some other hikers one of whom had been on a
guided botanical tour a few weeks earlier. We were using common names in
discussing the plants in the area and I asked whether they had seen Sweet
Pinesap (I couldn’t remember Pygmy Pipes at that moment). And here is another
example of the confusion caused by the exclusive use of common names. The
hikers didn’t recognize ‘Sweet Pinesap’ but after we talked for a while, one
suddenly said ‘Pygmy Pipes’ and I recognized the name. They had, indeed, been shown some and told us
they could be found up ‘above’ the rhododendrons in the deciduous oak/hickory
forest but couldn’t point us to a precise location other than the advice to
follow the fragrance.
On
several occasions along the trail, we smelled the fragrance of the Pygmy Pipes but couldn’t
find the plants. I was thinking that it was a pity that there wasn’t a way for
the hikers to be able to point us to some plants.
Then, a
few meters north of an interpretive marker for the forest, I found this….
Even then
I couldn’t find the plants – because I was looking too close to the trail. W
spotted a clump further off the trail at the edge of the rhododendron grove.
Success – with help! We settled down to
photograph the plants.
We
thought that this was the best we would do but as W got up, his hand brushed
away some leaves and he found some flowers
Monotropsis
odorata (Appalachian Pygmy Pipes, Pygmypipes, Sweet Pinesap) occur only in the
southeastern United States from Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee,
the Carolinas, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. In Georgia, they have only been
formally documented in four counties: Stephens, Elbert, Hall and Gwinnett.
Identification
resouces:
- Native
and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Monotropsis odorata (Appalachian Pygmy Pipes, Sweet Pinesap)
- Flora of
the Southeast: Monotropsis odorata
- USDA
Plant Database: Monotropsis odorata (Pygmypipes)
Related
post:
2 comments:
What a wonderful description of your impression of the fragrance of the Pygmy Pipes and your adventure of finding them. Aren't they just wonderful. Every year that I photograph them, the variation in their color seems to expand. Wonderful blog, too. I hope to subscribe...
Jim Fowler
www.jfowlerphotography.com
Jim, I’m so glad you enjoyed my description/adventure of finding the Pygmy Pipes. I realized that I should – as you state – have gotten down on my hands and knees and moved the leaves carefully in the hope of finding the pipes. I thought about it at the time but wasn’t sure how far the fragrance carried; I could see having to move an acre or more of leaves. Next time, I’ll plan to spend more time at DFSP.
I enjoy following your Flickr photos and blog. I’m using it as a guide for planning trips to see wildflowers we don’t see down here.
Best wishes, and keep them coming!
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