Lathraea squamaria
Lathraea squamaria, commonly known as toothwort, is a unique holoparasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll, relying entirely on host trees for nutrients. Found in shaded woodlands, this fascinating species is studied for its distinctive biology and potential medicinal properties, offering intriguing insights into parasitic plant interactions within forest ecosystems.
- Scientific name: Lathraea squamaria
- Family: Orobanchaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it falls under the family Orobanchaceae. Its specific taxonomic identification is completed by its placement in the genus Lathraea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Orobanchaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lathraea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Lathraea squamaria, is referred to by various common names across different languages and regions. In Poland, it is called Łuskiewnik różowy, while in Russia, it is known as Петров крест чешуйчатый. In Hungary, the species is called kónya vicsorgó, and in Finland, it is referred to as suomukka. Additionally, in Latvia, this medicinal plant is known as Sārtā bezlape.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Łuskiewnik różowy | Wikidata |
| ru | Петров крест чешуйчатый | Wikidata |
| hu | kónya vicsorgó | Wikidata |
| fi | suomukka | Wikidata |
| lv | Sārtā bezlape | Wikidata |
| et | harilik käopäkk | Wikidata |
| de | Gewöhnliche Schuppenwurz | Wikidata |
| sl | navadni lusnec | Wikidata |
| cs | podbílek šupinatý | Wikidata |
| lt | Gegužinė žvynašaknė | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Lathraea squamaria, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural habitats of Denmark. Additionally, its presence is documented throughout the landscapes of Finland. The species also extends its range to include Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical reach encompasses the coastal and inland areas of Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Chemicals
Lathraea squamaria has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include D-mannitol, aucuboside, fructose, glucose.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| D-mannitol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aucuboside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fructose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |