Lighttongue
Lupa halitus
Somnaceae (the Dream family)
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Description
A parasitic species drawing nutrients from host trees through haustoria. Needle-like foliage arranged in spirals along the stem.
Flowers are small, star-shaped, blooming in umbels of 12-20, colored shadow purple. Blooms at dawn on equinoxes.
Habitat
Grows in the shadow of libraries and places where books are kept.
Traditional Uses
The sap was used to make a temporary ink that fades over weeks.
Folklore
According to old wives, it brings prophetic dreams if gathered properly.
Similar Species
Compare with Serpenthope.
Conservation
Locally common but declining in some parts of its range.
Field Notes
Sometimes forms fairy rings in undisturbed locations.