SafePlants

Comandra umbellata: Bastard Toadflax

Comandra umbellata, commonly known as bastard toadflax or umbellate bastard toadflax, is a fascinating perennial herb belonging to the Sandalwood family (Santalaceae).

Considerations for Pets

• The text notes that Comandra umbellata is sometimes referred to as a parasitic plant.
• There is a report that the plant can be hazardous.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt.
• Family: Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family)
• Genus: Comandra (monotypic, containing only Comandra umbellata)
• Synonyms:
  • Comandra umbellata pallida
  • Comandra cuneifolia Raf.
  • Comandra elliptica Raf.
• Subspecies:
  • Comandra umbellata ssp. californica (Rydb.) Piehl
  • Comandra umbellata subspecies pallida

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Found in prairies, meadows, and openings.
• Often found in semi-desert and foothill regions.

Ecological Role

• Comandra umbellata is a hemiparasitic species. This means it can attach its roots to a host plant to obtain nutrients and/or water.

Morphological Characteristics

• Herbaceous perennial plant, typically grows up to 1 foot (0.3 meters) tall.
• Erect, slender, light green, smooth stems, sometimes branched.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, lance-shaped and pointed.
• Flowers from April to June.
• Flowers are hermaphrodite (containing both male and female parts).
• White star-shaped flowers in a flat cluster with a green center, approximately 1 inch across.

Quirky Facts

• The name Comandra is derived from the hairs at the base of its stamens (comandra means "hair of the man" in Greek).
• Despite its name, neither the flower nor the leaves of bastard toadflax resemble flax or toadflax.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Hemiparasitic, attaching to host plants to supplement its nutritional needs.
• Bastard-toadflax Bug (Canthophorus impressus) is associated with the plant.