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Definition of Indian pipe
: a white, waxy perennial herb (Monotropa uniflora of the family Ericaceae, the heath family) of Asia and North America that lacks chlorophyll, has leaves reduced to scales and a stem terminated by a single bell-shaped flower, and turns black following seed maturation
Note: The roots of the Indian pipe contain mycorrhizal fungi from which it acquires nutrients which the fungi's mycelium has obtained by invading the roots of nearby trees (such as beech and pine).
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Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
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Time Traveler for Indian pipe
The first known use of Indian pipe was circa 1818
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