Pedicularis

Pedicularis
Pedicularis foliosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Pedicularis
Species

500+, see text

Pedicularis is a genus of perennial green root parasite plants belonging to the broomrape family Orobanchaceae. Between 350 and 600 species are accepted by different authorities, mostly from the wetter northern temperate zones, as well as from South America. The highest diversity is in eastern Asia, with 352 species accepted in China alone by the Flora of China (not detailed here; see external links for details).

The common name lousewort, applied to several species, derives from an old belief that these plants, when ingested, were responsible for lice infestations in stock.

Selected species

References

  1. ^ (PDF) The Status of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Animals and Plants of California, California Department of Fish and Game, Rare Plant Program, 2000, p. 181, http://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/species/t_e_spp/docs/2000/t_e11plants.pdf, retrieved 2007-11-16