About Bellardia trixago (L.) All.
Growth Habit and Height
Bellardia trixago is an erect plant that often grows to over half a meter in height.
Foliage Characteristics
Its rich green foliage is dotted with glands and hairs.
Leaf Arrangement and Inflorescence Structure
Sawtoothed leaves grow along approximately the lower half of the plant stem, while the upper half of the stem holds a stout inflorescence that tapers to a point.
Flower Traits
This inflorescence bears rows of leaflike bracts; between these bracts emerge showy lipped, hooded flowers in purple and white, each measuring over two centimeters wide.
Fruit Type
The fruit produced by this species is a smooth, green capsule.
Parasitic Nature and Common Name
Like other broomrapes, common name Mediterranean lineseed, Bellardia trixago is parasitic.
Hemiparasitic Mechanism
Specifically, it is hemiparasitic: it is green and photosynthetic, but it also taps into the roots of other plants to obtain extra nutrients.
