Purple toothwort (Lathraea clandestina, Sp. Pl.: 605 (1753))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 605 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lathraea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Belgium to N. Spain and C. & S. Italy

Description

The Purple Toothwort, known scientifically as Lathraea clandestina, is a fascinating parasitic plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. First described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this unique species exhibits several intriguing characteristics and habits that captivate botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to regions extending from Belgium to Northern Spain, and also found in Central and Southern Italy, the Purple Toothwort thrives in these diverse European climates. Unlike many plants, it lacks chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis, and thus relies entirely on a parasitic relationship with the roots of certain host trees and shrubs for its nutrients. By tapping into the host’s vascular system, it extracts water and essential organic compounds necessary for its growth and reproduction.

This adaptation to a parasitic lifestyle means that the Purple Toothwort is often concealed underground, with only its vibrant purple flowers emerging above the surface during its blooming period. These striking flowers can often be found in clusters around the base of host trees, adding a splash of color to the forest floor and marking the presence of this otherwise hidden plant.

The plant’s life cycle and growth habits are intriguing. Above ground, the blossoms are visually striking with their distinct purple hue, serving as reproductive structures that attract pollinators. Below ground, the bulk of the plant comprises fleshy, scale-like structures that cling tightly to the roots of host plants. This underground network ensures a steady supply of nourishment, allowing the Purple Toothwort to thrive even in shaded and nutrient-poor environments where few other plants can survive.

In botanical studies, Lathraea clandestina serves as an excellent example of parasitism in the plant kingdom, illustrating the diverse strategies plants have evolved to garner resources. Its presence in various European localities also highlights its adaptability to different environments within its range.

Overall, the Purple Toothwort is not only a botanical curiosity due to its parasitic nature but also a beautiful addition to the flora of the regions it inhabits. The synergy between its unique biological mechanisms and its vivid floral display underscores the remarkable diversity found within the plant world.

Common Names

Deu: niedrige schuppenwurz, verborgene schuppenwurz
Eng: purple toothwort
Nld: paarse schubwortel, prachtschubwortel
Cym: dantlys porffor, deintlys porffor
En: Purple toothwort, Hidden Toothwort
Ca: Frare de verneda
Nl: Paarse schubwortel, Prachtschubwortel
Fr: Lathrée clandestine
De: Verborgene Schuppenwurz, Niedrige Schuppenwurz, Erdschuppenwurz, Purpur Schuppenwurz
It: Latrea clandestina
Cy: Deintlys porffor, Dantlys Porffor

Synonyms

• Lathraea clandestina var. pallidiflora ((Martrin-Donos) Rouy)
• Clandestina rectiflora (Lam.)
• Clandestina purpurea (Hill)
• Lathraea clandestina subvar. albiflora (Rouy)
• Lathraea clandestina f. albiflora ((Rouy) J.D.Arm.)
• Lathraea clandestina f. rosea (J.D.Arm.)
• Clandestina penduliflora (Lam.)
• Clandestina clandestina ((L.) Huth)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Mar 23, 2018 by anne daudin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2019 by paty co-graine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2022 by Bettembourg Nicolas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2019 by you (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Christian TANGUY (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Martínez Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2019 by Nico Da (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by F. Manzano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Lejarazu Edorta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2018 by Christian TANGUY (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by Alix Wilmouth (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by sg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Birolini Remo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Maxime G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Martínez Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 6, 2019 by larz larz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by Delphine Krier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2019 by plisson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2019 by giannetto filippo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Genevieve Deviller (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2021 by Remi Espert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 13, 2021 by Remi Espert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 17, 2021 by Martínez Eduardo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 13, 2019 by Christophe Leray (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Françoise MADIC (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by nicola gillespie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2018 by Liliane Pessotto (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:662042-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3738544)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lathraea clandestina L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 7