Common name: Entire Leaf Lousewort
Botanical name: Pedicularis bifida Family: Scrophulariaceae (Dog flower family)
Entire Leaf Lousewort is a herb found on open slopes and shrubberies in the
Himalayas at altitudes of 1000-2700 m. Pedicularis is a difficult
and confusing genus. However, Entire Leaf Lousewort is distinguished by its
entire leaves which are not lobed, in contrast to the deeply lobed leaves
of all other species. The leaves are narrow-elliptic with coarse rounded
teeth. The flowers are pink, with the upper lip formed into a slender
straight beak, enlarged below into a curved base 2-3 times as long.
Flowers are borne in a lax leafy spike. The lower lip of the flowers is
shallowly lobed. Bracts look very similar to the leaves, but are smaller.
Flowering: June-August.
| Photographed on McLeodganj-Triund route, Himachal Pradesh. |
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