Bastard toadflax
Comandra umbellata

Family: Santalaceae

What it is like

A small erect herb. It grows 10-40 cm tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are alternate, sword shaped and thick. Theya re 2-5 cm long by 5-10 mm wide. The fruit is urn shaped and fleshy.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, Europe, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The nectar is sucked from the flowers. The fruit are occasionally eaten. They are sweet when young. They can be used for jam.

The nectar is sucked especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, nectar

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Comandra

Synonyms

Comandra cuneifolia Raf.; Comandra elliptica Raf.; Comandra media Raf.; Comandra obovata Raf. and others