For wildflower buffs: The strange plant known as Indian Pipes....?

Question

that has lost most or all of its ability to photosynthesize and has taken to stealing energy from certain tree roots (a saprophyte i.e.). The Indian Pipes (all species and varieties of which are classified as endangered) but are not too uncommon in the moister old growth areas of the Appalachian region. Now here's the tough one? What common flowering shrub that is ubiquitous in the Eastern USA, and relatives also grow in the Himalayas as well, is its closest relative? And what common Eastern tree renowned for its crimson or blood red leaves in the fall is also in the same family as the humble little Indian Pipes?

Answer 1

I've seen the ghost plant in the woods but only recently found out how it fed. I ran across this because I was researching fungal symbioses on Tom Volk's web and found this page.
http://tomvolkfungi.net/
This is a member of Ericaceae so common plants are the rhododendron & arbutus in my area, the Pacific Northwest. Rhododendron's other area is the Himalayas so that fits.

I looked up the eastern ericale trees to find the Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum. I didn't know this tree at first but then I realized this is in the arboretum. Very ornamental even here.
Since it is apparent you know the plants I'm curious why you asked the question. Just trying to broaden my horizons?

Answer 2

The Indian Pipe, Monotropa uniflora
http://www.hort.net/gallery/view/mon/monun/,
family Monotropaceae:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotropes, now are added to the Ericaceae:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ericaceae,
so they are related to Rhododendron, native in Himalaya.
In the family of Ericaceae you also find p.e. Azalea " Hino Crimson" with red flowers:
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1139388649053499588dosJXu but no plant with red leaves.