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Pedicularis

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Pedicularis
Pedicularis bracteosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
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Genus:
Pedicularis
Species

500+, see text

Pedicularis is a genus of perennial green root parasite plants currently placed in the broomrape family Orobanchaceae (the genus previously having been placed in Scrophulariaceae[1] sensu lato).

Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum (Moor-king Lousewort)
Pedicularis semibarbata ssp charlestonensis (Pinewoods lousewort)

Description

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. [2]

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. ^ IPNI (Pedicularis assigned to Scrophulariaceae)
  2. ^ Species accepted by the Flora of China (not detailed here; see external links for details).
  3. ^ The Status of Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Animals and Plants of California (PDF), California Department of Fish and Game, Rare Plant Program, 2000, p. 181, retrieved 2007-11-16