Family: Santalaceae
Author: (L.) Nutt.
Bibliography: Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 1: 157 (1818)
Year: 1818
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Comandra
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. America to N. Mexico, SE. Europe to Türkiye
Description
Bastard toadflax, scientifically known as Comandra umbellata, is a fascinating and widespread plant species that belongs to the family Santalaceae. This perennial herb is notable for its distinctive attributes, ecological significance, and broad geographical distribution.
The plant is typically found in diverse habitats across North America, extending from the northern regions to New Mexico. Its range also stretches into southeastern Europe and Türkiye, illustrating its adaptability to various climatic conditions.
Comandra umbellata bears a unique common name, “bastard toadflax,” which distinguishes it from other plants within the same family. Unlike the true toadflaxes (genus Linaria), it has evolved its characteristics and ecological niche. The plant features small, greenish or creamy-white flowers arranged in umbels, a trait hinted at by the word “umbellata” in its scientific name. These flowers usually bloom in the spring and early summer, providing a valuable food source for various pollinators.
The plant exhibits a peculiar parasitic behavior, which is typical for members of the Santalaceae family. It forms hemiparasitic relationships with the root systems of surrounding plants. This means it can photosynthesize but also relies on extracting water and nutrients from its host plants through specialized structures called haustoria. This dual nutritional strategy allows Comandra umbellata to thrive in environments where other plants might struggle.
Ecologically, bastard toadflax plays a significant role in its native habitats. By participating in complex plant-host interactions, it contributes to the biodiversity and stability of the ecosystems in which it resides. Its presence indicates a healthy, functioning environment and benefits various insect species that depend on its flowers for nectar.
The historical significance of Comandra umbellata is also noteworthy. The reference to Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 1: 157 (1818) by (L.) Nutt. highlights its early recognition and classification in botanical literature. This long-standing acknowledgment underscores its importance within botanical studies and natural history.
In conclusion, bastard toadflax is a remarkable plant with a rich ecological and botanical profile. Its widespread distribution, unique parasitic behavior, and ecological contributions make it a species of interest for botanists, ecologists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: bastard toadflax, common comandra
Fra: comandre à ombelle, comandre de richards, comandre en ombelle
En: Bastard toadflax, Bastard-Toadflax, Common comandra
Fr: Comandre à ombelle, Comandre de Richards, Comandre en ombelle
Synonyms
- Thesium umbellatum (L.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Albania (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Greece (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Romania (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Utah (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Nov 13, 2013 by EOL − Ben VanderWeide (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 17, 2020 by Dije Rraci (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 12, 2001 by EOL − Darel Hess (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Barb Zacharias (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 29, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 14, 2013 by EOL − evening (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Steve R. Turner (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2008 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 4, 2016 by EOL − milesproject (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 19, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 2, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 3, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2889777)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:780112-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb