INDIAN PAINTBRUSH

Cluster of stems of an Indian paitbrush

There are many species of Indian paintbrush (genus Castilleja), which are difficult to tell apart. They are found on roadsides and in dry, open soil. The plants typically are 10-40 cm high and bear conspicuous "flowering" heads, but the colour is actually provided by the modified leaves (termed bracts) that surround the flowers. The flowers themsleves are usually pale coloured and inconspucuous.

Close-up of a flowering head (from the plant shown in the first image)

A different species of Indian paintbrush, with woolly, hair-covered leaves.

All the paintbrushes seem to be hemiparasites, with poorly developed root systems. Soon after the seeds germinate, the young roots tap into the root system of another plant to gain water and mineral nutrients.

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