Red Bartsia

Image: © Lairich Rig Taken: 25 Aug 2014

(Odontites vernus syn. Odontites verna) The plant was on the northern side of a path, which is also a cycle route (Image). In form, the plant is similar to Eyebright and Yellow Rattle, and it is indeed of the same family. All three of those plants are hemiparasites: annuals, rather than longer-lived perennials, they will only grow vigorously if their roots meet those of another plant; by tapping into other roots, they are able to do without developing an extensive root system of their own, and they can devote more of the plant's resources to growing the shoot [on this lifestyle, see, for example, pages 224-225 of "Collins New Generation Guide: Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe" (1987)]. For the other species mentioned above, see Image and Image [Some books give the name Odontites verna, rather than O. vernus, but, at the time of writing (2014), the latter is the current name (by Article 62.4 of the Melbourne Code).]

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