The Bluebells and Cowslips of my recent entries can still be thought of as "common wildflowers" at least in their surviving habitats. Less so the Common Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) which I also saw on my walk on Tuesday; a plant with no chlorophyll parasitic on the roots of trees notably Hazel, Alder, beech and Elm. There is a colony growing among a stand of Hazel in Wain Wood, Hertfordshire.

 I was daydreaming as I walked that section of the path and would have forgotten to look. However a friendly chap ambling along stopped to chat and made mention of them. Indeed I first became aware of their existence in that same spot a few years ago when I saw another chap peering intently at the base of a tree. 

 I find that botanical enthusiasts are very willing to share their knowledge. Others have mentioned these Toothworts to me. If they can be found in any other locale in the area I've never heard tell of it. Perhaps this is the one and only?

 Not so common then but the Kew's 'Plants of the World Online' states that the range of L. squamaria covers Europe to north Iran and Himalaya so it is widespread. And includes Wain Wood.