Lathraea clandestina, L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1972, Flora Europaea. Volume 3. Diapensiacea to Myoporaceae, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press : 281

3. L. clandestina L. , Sp. Pl. 605 (1753).

Stems almost or completely subterranean, freely branched so as to form large tufts, yellowish. Scale-leaves reniform, amplexicaul, alternate or opposite; bracts similar. Inflorescence a short, corymbose raceme with 4-8 flowers, the axis often largely subterranean; flowers erect; pedicels up to 30 mm. Calyx 18-20 mm, glabrous, pale lilac. Corolla 40-50 mm, violet, the lower lip reddish-purple; apex of upper lip somewhat cuculiate; lower lip much shorter than upper, with margins deflexed. Capsule ovoid; seeds up to 5 mm, grey, reticulate-rugose, few. 2« = 42. Parasitic on the roots of species ofSalix, Populus and Alnus, or rarely of other trees. © W. Europe, from Belgium to N. Spain, and extending eastwards to C. & S. Italy. Be Ga Hs It [Br].