With many diverse species, from the woodland-dwelling toothwort to the hardy desert hyacinth, the Orobanchaceae family of striking and unusual plants can be found in every biome in the world but often pose a challenge for identification. This thorough, practical guide is focused on the species that are entirely dependent on their host for nutrients, revealing the taxonomically challenging species with clarity and precision to experts and amateurs alike. Illustrated throughout with 600 colour photographs, each species profile includes habit, morphology, ecology, distribution, key diagnostics and similar species.
Chris Thorogood is Deputy Director and Head of Science of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. He is a wildlife artist, botanical illustrator, and an international best-selling author. Senior Curator of the British, European and Historical Plant Collections at the Natural History Museum and President of the British Pteridological Society.