of days. Ecology The flowers of M. uniflora are visited by various bee and fly species, most commonly bumblebees. Bumblebees are an important pollen dispersal agent for the plant. Like most mycoheterotrophic plants, M. uniflora associates with a small range of fungal hosts, all of them members of Russulaceae. It is often associated with beech trees. Toxicity The plant contains glycosides and may be toxic to humans. Uses In addition to various reported medical uses, the plant has been used as an anxiolytic in herbal medicine since the late 19th century. Despite possibly being toxic, the entire plant can be cooked, which lends it an asparagus-like flavor. Gallery References External links "Indian Pipes, Ithaca NY" is a photo chronology of their development through the season. Several images are available from the USDA PLANTS Profile. Monotropoideae Parasitic plants Flora of Asia Flora of South America Flora of North America Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus