Common Bartsia -introduced (*Bellardia latifolia)

Other names: Red Bartsia, Parentucellia latifolia.

Family: Orobanchaceae (Orobanche family).

Native of the Mediterranean region.

Occurrence: Widespread. May grow in forest clearings, roadsides and in paddocks.

Identification:

• it is a small plant (to about 10 or 15 cm)
• it is covered with reddish glandular hairs
• the flowers are pink and red, and grow along the stem
• the leaves grow in opposite pairs, and are divided into lobes.

In Central Victoria it is more common in areas of higher rainfall areas or damper positions.

Photos 1: Common Bartsia. It has paired, toothed leaves and red flowers growing from the leaf base. Barkly. 2, 3: Paddock with Common Bartsia. Baynton.