Plant of the Day
Sunday 16 May 2021
The root parasite Lathraea clandestina (purple toothwort) is mainly found on Populus (poplar) and Salix (willow) species but here it had parasitised an Acer palmatum (Japanese maple) cultivar (note the spectacular graft at the base of the trunk). It is a native of Belgium, France, Spain and Italy but has become naturalised in Britain and New Zealand. This perennial root parasite lacks chlorophyll and has yellow roots that grow from a rhizome (underground stem). The haustoria (suckers) at the tips of the roots attach to roots of the host plants, generally on the upper side to derive the food they need. The plant thrives in semi-shade where the soil does not dry out completely and with a suitable host tree. The purple flowers are pollinated by bumblebees.
Jill Raggett
