Triphysaria versicolor

Triphysaria versicolor is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae known by the common name yellowbeak owl's-clover.[1]

Triphysaria versicolor
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Triphysaria
Species:
T. versicolor
Binomial name
Triphysaria versicolor

It is native to the west coast of North America from British Columbia to central California, where it grows in grassland habitat.

Description edit

Triphysaria versicolor is an annual herb producing a green or yellowish stem up to about 60 centimeters in maximum height. Like many species in its family it is a facultative root parasite on other plants, attaching to their roots via haustoria to tap nutrients. The leaves are up to 8 centimeters long and are divided into a few narrow, pointed lobes.

The inflorescence is a dense spike of flowers. Each flower has a white corolla 1 or 2 centimeters long with a beaklike, yellow-tinged upper lip and a wider lower lip which is divided into three pouches. The lower lip may have purple spots underneath.

References edit

  1. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Triphysaria versicolor". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 15 December 2015.

External links edit