Indian Pipe

On a recent walk in the woods I ran across another plant that I can

add to my list of new plants or flowers this year called Indian Pipe.

This plant lives without chlorophyll, thus the white or clear color. It

grows in rich, shady areas of leaf litter much like mushrooms. It gets

its nutrients from a mutual relationship with a type of wood rotting

fungi that generate nutrients for the plant to use.

Indian Pipe  - Montropa uniflora

When fertilized, it turns a pinkish color and 

 when picked it turns black, thus the reason it is also

called Corpse Plant, Ice Plant and Ghost Flower

Native Americans used the juice from

the stem for an eye medicine.

     .

"Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock."

   Henry Ward Beecher(1813-1887): Clergyman, Social Reformer, Abolitionist

To some of my blogger friends, I have been trying to leave you a message on your blogs but for some reason, blogger is not acknowledging my blog name and will not allow me to leave a message. I have tried to comment in the open ID also but no use either. Hopefully they will get the issue resolved soon. I am still able to comment on some blogs but not others. Go Figure! I am still enjoying your posts and will comment as soon as this issue is resolved.  Randy

Between a Rock and a Hard Place !

While climbing around at about 6000' elevation on the Tennessee-North Carolina state line in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, I happened upon this little fern trying to scratch out a living between this rock and a hard place. 

Despite it's difficult location, it appears to be doing quite well as the picture below indicates. Sometimes what may seem like a hopeless situation, in all actuality, is a blessing. Being stuffed in between these two massive boulders provides this little high mountain fern with all the protection it needs to shield it from the strong winds that pound this high country environment. The tenacity for life abounds throughout all creation and one may find it in the most unexpected places and circumstances. Ironically, this little fern is perched right across from one of the most magnificent views in the smokies. Thousands of people trod by this spot every year and probably most will never notice this little beauty growing on the wrong side of the trail.

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing."
      Camille Pissarro(1830-1903): French Impressionist Painter