Field Cow-Wheat (Melampyrum arvense)

I had a chance to pop back to a site on the Isle of Wight near Ventnor where these plant's are known to grow and was lucky enough to get some pictures I think there definitely one of the most striking native flowers although quite rare here in the UK (this is one of 5 places known of) it's actually quite widespread in mainland europe


IMGP1074 by kalmia latifolia, on Flickr


IMGP1068 by kalmia latifolia, on Flickr


IMGP1078 by kalmia latifolia, on Flickr

and on the way back I got a look at another intereasting plant although a bit more common and almost a weed on the isle of wight Ivy Broomrape(Orobanche hederae)


IMGP1087 by kalmia latifolia, on Flickr


IMGP1084 by kalmia latifolia, on Flickr

 

An interesting wild plant, never seen one myself I dont think.

Thanks for showing us.

 

Very pretty ,thanks Aesculus.

 

It did remind me of Indian paintbrush (castillega) in the US at first sight but different colour.

On Googling I find your post is 8th one down under Cow wheat and also both plants appear similar in growth.

 

That Ivy Leafed Broom rape. Is that parasitic or semi parasitic ?

 

Wholly parasitic I believe