I'm still out in the field, but summer student Raakel Toppila has helped out by writing today's entry. – Daniel
Thank you to Stephen, aka stephenbuchan@Flickr from Edinburgh, Scotland for sharing today's image (original via BPotD Flickr Group Pool).
Rhinanthus minor, also known as yellow-rattle, occurs throughout the northern hemisphere, from Europe to Asia to North America. It is a hemiparasitic plant (much like mistletoe), obtaining some nutrients from a host plant or host plants, while still photosynthesizing. This contrasts with holoparasitic plants which lack chlorophyll entirely and therefore have no photosynthesizing apparatus. One study found haustorial connections (morphologically modified tissue which physically penetrates the host plant’s vascular tissue) in the roots of an individual Rhinanthus plant connecting to seven different host species. A rather greedy plant!
Great photo and write-up. I am familiar with this plant but not was not aware of it's hemiparasitic ways. Very cool! Is this the same species my 1977 Newcomb's lists as Rhinanthus crista-galli?
Rhinanthus minor - Z6 - RHS Index of Garden Plants, Griffiths
Hi, One of my favorite plants. Not too common where I live, in southern NH, but definitely around. But, any idea what the seven host plants are? Can't get the study without paying $32. Thanks.
Rhinanthus minor is used to reduce the vigour of grasses in wildflower meadows. I saw this technique being used in a meadow in the Savill Garden (in the Great Park at Windsor, England). I believe the (amazing) Savill Building now occupies that site, but I'm sure this a common technique and other such manufactured meadows exist, at least in the UK.