Indian Pipe, Monotropa Uniflora

Day 291: Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) is usually only seen singly or in small clusters, but over the last two years, there has been an uptick in many of the mycoheterotrophic species found in the Pacific Northwest and large groupings are much more common. Earlier in the year, I found 20-30 stems of Candystick (Allotropa virgata) growing together, a highly unusual sight. In the area where I took this photo of Monotropa uniflora today, there were at least half a dozen clusters this size or larger as well as many smaller colonies. I suspect that our recent mild, damp winters are being enjoyed by the mycelia responsible for nourishing these plants, hence their sudden abundance.