Lathraea Clandestina

I posted a photo of a bee disappearing into one of these flowers last week and asked for an ID. I’ve just had a reply to my email to #standrewsbotanicgardens who have identified it for me. It’s a parasitic plant (hence no need for leaves) that lives on the roots of trees, especially poplars and willows. Fascinating and beautiful 💜 #parasitic #plantid

How bonkers and incredible is that?! Glad you found out! 👍🏼 isn’t nature amazing? 😳

How interesting Jacqueline, I'm assuming that it's near the river? 🤔🤔

Amazing!

Isn’t it bonkers Rachel? But it looked amazing @rachelbrooks

Sorry Jane, I should have added #notmygarden as it was taken in the Botanic Gardens when I was up there a couple of weeks ago. I’ve added it to my plants so I don’t forget what it is 🙄 @pelly

Isn’t it Val? It never occurred to me it would be something like that, but I had no idea what it was 🤔🤓 @valjones-hughes

Plants like this are fascinating, saw a couple of similar low, leafless plants when we in Bali and I didn’t find out what they were. Maybe they were parasitic too. A new route of enquiry for me!

I think so too. Good luck with your hunt @valjones-hughes

That is a totally amazing plant & completely new to me.👍

It’s wonderful isn’t it Jeff. It also covered a large area - several feet square 💜 @jeatacake

Blimey missed quite a few of your pix!! X x