Lathraea clandestina (16/03/2014, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to shade (on the roots of Populus and Salix)
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 20cm
Eventual Spread: 30cm
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Orobanchaceae (Scrophulariaceae)
Lathraea clandestina is a deciduous parasitic plant living on the roots of Populus and Salix.. This plant completely lacks chlorophyll and does not have any above ground green leaves. Its purple flowers appear solitary on erect stems. Its flowers are protocarnivorous (it traps and kills insects but does not digest the insect). Its fruit are seed capsules which explode spreading its 5mm seeds. Watercourses also aid the spread of its seeds. Its roots attached themselves to the roots of specific trees.
Lathraea clandestina, commonly known as Purple Toothwort, is native to central and south Europe. It has become naturalised in the UK.
The etymological root of the binomial name Lathraea is derived from the Greek laqraios meaning ‘covert’, in reference to the roots of this plant. Clandestina is derived from the Latin clandestinus meaning ‘hidden’, once again in reference to this plants roots.
The landscape architect may find Lathraea clandestina useful for naturalising on the roots of Populus and Salix, providing a carpet of purple flowers in spring.
Ecologically, Lathraea clandestina flowers are attractive to polinating insects, although this plant kills its pollinators.
Lathraea clandestina prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Lathraea clandestina requires little maintenance.
