PARASITIC PLANTS 



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in dry pastures. The branched stem grows from 6 to 

 1 8 inches high, and bears opposite leaves, which are 

 usually lanceolate-entire, sometimes resembling broad 

 grass leaves. The flowers are axillary on one side of 



FIG. 76. Lou^ewort (Pedicular is palustris L.), x about 

 i. Flower, and 2. Fruit, both enlarged. 



the stem ; they have long narrow yellow corollas, 

 tubular and two-lipped, rather like those of a snap- 

 dragon, and are seen from June to September. 



Toothwort (Lathrcea squamaria L.) is a perennial 

 parasitic plant which lives on the roots of trees and 

 shrubs, especially hazels. The whole plant is fleshy, 

 with stout stems 3 to 8 inches long; the branched root- 

 stock has thick fleshy scales crowded upon it, and its 

 roots are attached to those of the " host," from which 

 it draws its nourishment. The plant is pale yellow or 



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