Purple toothwort

Lathraea clandestina the purple toothwort, was introduced to the uk from SW Europe. It’s a strange plant and it’s Latin name reflects its mysterious appearance.
It is found under willow and poplar, and is parasitic on the roots of these trees. It has no need for green leaves as it takes all its nutrients from the host tree. The sudden appearance of the flowers is remarkable amongst the spring green all around.

We collected Misty from the kennels and she was very pleased to see us, although you could see she was looking around for her real family! She is with us now for a month while my sister is in Australia!