Description: Parasitic herb.
Leaves opposite below, alternate above, narrow, sometimes reduced to scales.
Flowers solitary in leaf axils or in spikes, usually with a pair of bracteoles. Calyx tubular, conspicuously 5–15-ribbed, 5-lobed. Corolla salverform, tube curved in middle or apically; limb weakly 2-lipped; lower lip 3-lobed; upper lip shorter than lower, entire emarginate to 2-lobed. Stamens 4, stigma clavate.
Fruits a loculicidal capsule; seeds numerous, ovoid to oblong, reticulate.
Distribution and occurrence: World: about 20 species; Tropical and subtropical Asia, Oceania; Australia 2 native and 2 species introduced.
Text by Louisa Murray
Taxon concept: Flora of China
| One species in NSW: Striga parviflora |
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