Known by many names including Striped Wintergreen or Rat's Bane, this is Chimaphila maculata. Also known as Pipsissewa, "The Creek Indians called it 'pipsisikweu' – which means 'breaks into small pieces' – after the supposed ability to break down gallstones and kidney stones. Native Americans used its leaf tea to treat rheumatism and stomach problems, and crushed leaves were applied as a poultice to sores and wounds."
Can't get this close with the Canon and still be in focus - even with a tripod. My little Kodak beats the Canon for closeup so far. Suggestions welcome.
@365jgh Thanks, Judy. It's native to North America, endangered in Canada. I don't think you have it in the UK unless a garden center carries it and/or it escaped from someone's garden. It grows wild under my pines in sandy and acidic soil.
@wag864 It is fascinating. My great-grandmother was a midwife/healer and learned herbal medicine from the Cherokee in western North Carolina. She would have been knowledgeable of this plant. Shame! All of her knowledge is lost to us. She could not read or write and those family members who could - didn't think it was worthy enough to put pen to paper to record her wisdom.
@phil_howcroft Thank you, Phil.
@corinnec Thank you so much, Corinne.
@fbailey Thank you ever so much.
@pamalama Thank you, Pam.
@kwind Thank you.
@kjarn There are so many useful plants that modern medicine has forgotten with synthetic drugs.
@ludwigsdiana Thank you, Diana.
@monikozi Thank you, Monica.
@pusspup It's a beautiful wildflower too. =)
@joansmor Thanks, Joan.
@sangwann Thank you, Dione.
@craftymeg Thank you, Margaret.
@ososki Thank you, Bill.