Odontites luteus explained

Odontites luteus is a plant belonging to the genus Odontites in the family Orobanchaceae.

Description

Odontites luteus is an annual plant, hemiparasite, 10 to 60 cm high. The leaves are linear, narrow and generally entire.

The inflorescences are organized in unilateral clusters. The pubescent corolla, with ciliate-bearded margins, has a deep yellow color. The stamens are clearly prominent outside the corolla.

The number of chromosomes of this species is 2n = 20.^[1]

Habitat and distribution

Odontites luteus is distributed in Europe and North Africa (subsp. reboudii). It grows in steppes, garrigues and in the edge of dry forests. It prefers moderately dry soils, usually limestone, poor in clay, but always in sunny exposure.

In Central Europe, this plant belongs to the Festuco-Brometea and Sedo-Scleranthetea classes.^[2]

Systematics

Three subspecies have been described:^[3]

• Odontites luteus (L.) Clairv. subsp. luteus.
• Odontites luteus subsp. bonifaciensis (Rouy) P. Fourn. (Syn .: Euphrasia bonifaciensis Rouy): this subspecies is found in Corsica.
• Odontites luteus subsp.reboudii (Pomel) Quézel & Santa: this subspecies is found in Algeria.

Notes and References

1. Bolliger. Markus. 1996-11-01. Monographie der Gattung Odontites (Scrophulariaceae) sowie der verwandten Gattungen Macrosyringion, Odontitella, Bornmuellerantha und Bartsiella. Willdenowia. 26. 1–2. 37–168. 10.3372/wi.26.2603. 0511-9618. free.
2. Book: Erich., Oberdorfer. Pflanzensoziologische Exkursionsflora für Deutschland und angrenzende Gebiete. 2001-01-01. Ulmer. 9783800131310. 50980051.
3. Web site: Karol. Marhold. 2011. Scrophulariaceae: Odontites luteus : Euro+Med Plantbase - the information resource for Euro-Mediterranean plant diversity. ww2.bgbm.org. 20 December 2016.