Unlike other plant species, the flowers of the underground world are white and lack chlorophyll. Instead of photosynthesis, they live as parasites. The stems can be entirely white but often have many black and pale pink spots.
While patrolling in the dense forest, the forestry officials from Que Dong County, Hunan Province, accidentally discovered a peculiar plant. This rare plant is called the glass orchid. It is the first time this type of orchid has been found in Hunan Province. It holds significant value for scientific research.
The glass orchid is also known as the quartz orchid.
The glass orchid, also known as quartz orchid, ghost orchid, or phantom orchid, has the scientific name Monotropa uniflora and belongs to the Ericaceae family.
Possessing delicate and exquisite beauty, this flower does not perform photosynthesis; it lives parasitically, absorbing nutrients from decaying organic matter on the damp, dark forest floor, which gives it a “bad reputation.”
A light touch will cause the fragile petals to fall.
In Chinese folklore, this plant is considered the flower of the underground world, the flower of hell, symbolizing evil. In martial arts stories, it is described as a spirit herb or ghost grass, possessing mysterious powers that aid in resurrection.
This rare orchid primarily grows at the roots of ancient cedar and cypress trees, on mountain slopes ranging from 800 to 3,200 meters, and cannot be cultivated artificially. They grow in clusters, standing about 10-15 cm tall, covered in a translucent silk-like layer; a light touch will cause the delicate petals to fall.
Only those with fate will encounter the quartz orchid.
If picked from the ground, the entire plant turns a dark, deathly black. Even a small scratch will cause the glass orchid to ooze sap, and its entire stem will darken. Therefore, only those who are destined may encounter the quartz orchid, and only through a direct encounter can one fully appreciate the beauty of this extraordinary plant.
