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Allotropa virgata

Allotropa virgata Torr. & A. Gray ex A. Gray

Sugarstick, Candystick, Candystriped Allotropa

Monotropaceae (Indian Pipe Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: ALVI2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

A monotypic genus, Allotropa virgata is achlorophyllous and is mycoheterotrophic; that is, it utilizes the mycelium of the Matsutake Mushroom fungus (Tricholoma matsutake) to obtain carbon from the roots of conifers in the Pacific Northwest. Lustrous, erect, leafless, scaly stems resembling peppermint sticks with flowers hanging in a raceme along top.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Inflorescences up to about 20 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Red
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Petals white. Peduncle, which may be more than 1 foot tall, is white with red or maroon stripes.

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: British Columbia south to southern Sierra Nevada.
Native Habitat: In humus of coniferous forests.

Web Reference

Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) Calflora
Webref 3 - Flora of North America (2014) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

USDA: Find Allotropa virgata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Allotropa virgata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Allotropa virgata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2022-11-09
Research By: TWC Staff

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