Spotted Pipsissewa

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 3:24 pm

These things grow all over the place around the edges of the woods, prefering being at the base of pine trees. These are about 3.5" tall.

Spotted Pipsissewa
Canon EOS 20D
1/125 sec. @ f/14 ISO 100
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon 430EX Speedlite ETTL @ -1/3
Late afternoon

Native Americans used these things for all sorts of stuff, from backaches, coughs, bladder inflamations, stomach aches, just to name a few. Though I do not recommend anyone trying it out. Science has found that this plant is loaded with biologically active compounds and contains the so-called COX 2 inhibitors. By the way, the seed heads are on little stems that are not shown and not attached to the leaves as they appear to be.

JoanYoung · Post by **JoanYoung** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 5:43 pm

Great image and info here Ken!!

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 5:51 pm

This time of year you really have to get down on the ground and nose around like some dog, to find things. Though I do a lot of that in the warmer months as well. Goes with the territory I guess. Anyway these little plants can be used for quite a number of ailments, though as I said I would not recommend trying it on them. The skills and knowledge of the Native American has been lost on technology and we more than likely would kill ourselves in ignorance of the use of these wonderful little plants.

Thanks Joan

JoanYoung · Post by **JoanYoung** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:04 pm

It is a pity so much of this medicinal healing has been lost. Thanks Ken

I have not had to go scratching in leaf litter yet for subject but it is coming up to that season for me if I want to get any pics at all.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:44 am

A beautiful little plant Ken. I like the shape and texture (woody) of the seed pods. There is nothing wrong with putting your chin to the ground.....as long as no one sees you and your butt is not hanging out of your jeans like an overweight plumber......picture that

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:24 am

Well no chance of a "plumbers butt" just yet there Doug

Though the probability of one may be on the increase after acquiring some new dental work. All the resturants from Charlotte, N.C. to Johnson City, Tenn. are probably gearing up for it.

Seems it is the things we take for granted that we end up missing the most. I agree, the woody seed pods were the most interesting thing about this little plant, that is what prompted me to take a photo of it.

Thanks Doug

Cyclops · Post by **Cyclops** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:53 am

Is that some kind of Euphorbia or a relative-does it have white sap like latex? Never heard of the common name you used(can't say it,such a strange(native indian?) name

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:06 am

I have never broken one down to see what the sap is like, now that you have asked. Maybe I will. As for another name for the plant, I am not sure, my field guide is not that extensive. the latin is Chimaphila umbellata and it belongs to the wintergreen family.

Thanks Cyclops

Cyclops · Post by **Cyclops** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:12 am

Ah so its not related to Euphorbia then. Just be aware too that the sap of certain Euphorbias can be irritant.