Monotropsis
| Monotropsis odorata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Subfamily: | Monotropoideae |
| Genus: | Monotropsis |
| Species: | M. odorata |
| Binomial name | |
| Monotropsis odorata Schwein. ex Elliot | |
Monotropsis is a monotypic genus of plants containing the single species Monotropsis odorata, also known as sweet pinesap or pygmy pipes. It is a member of the subfamily Monotropoideae of the heath family, Ericaceae. It is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the southeastern United States, and is viewed as being uncommon throughout its range.
Like all members of the subfamily, Monotropsis odorata does not contain chlorophyll; it is a myco-heterotroph, getting its food through parasitism upon fungi rather than photosynthesis. These fungi form a mycorrhiza with nearby tree species.