About Bellardia trixago (L.) All.
Bellardia trixago is an erect plant that often grows to over half a meter in height. Its rich green foliage is dotted with glands and hairs. Sawtoothed leaves grow along approximately the lower half of the plant stem, while the upper half of the stem holds a stout inflorescence that tapers to a point. This inflorescence bears rows of leaflike bracts; between these bracts emerge showy lipped, hooded flowers in purple and white, each measuring over two centimeters wide. The fruit produced by this species is a smooth, green capsule. Like other broomrapes, common name Mediterranean lineseed, Bellardia trixago is parasitic. Specifically, it is hemiparasitic: it is green and photosynthetic, but it also taps into the roots of other plants to obtain extra nutrients.
