Toothwort

This afternoon I went for a walk in the sunshine. I had planned working in the garden but couldn't resist a walk as it was so warm.
I went in the hills near Oswestry and took so many photos that I could have blipped including my first sight of oxlips this year. The one that I chose is of toothwort. I had to clamber up a bank to photograph them and they were surrounded by brambles so couldn't get a decent background but pleased to get such an unusual plant.
They are parasites which attach themselves to the roots of hazel or elm and feed on their host. They live below ground for most of the year just flowering in spring. They have no leaves or chlorophyl. An exciting find!