Rare white plant found in Chongqing

In September, a rare wildflower — the Monotropa uniflora, or Ghost Pipe — was found in Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve in Chongqing's Wuxi county, according to its management service center earlier this month.

The white herbaceous perennial plant, with a straight stem and pendant (downwardly pointed) flower, grows up to about 10 centimeters in height.

Unlike ordinary plants, it has no chlorophyll; therefore, it has no photosynthesis process for growth. Instead, it grows in moist, shaded forests by absorbing nutrients provided by rotting leaves. It is also known as ghost plant or Indian Pipe. It is non-toxic and edible, having no flavor raw but tasting like asparagus when cooked.