#pedicularis sylvatica

Lousewort, probably Pedicularis sylvatica, below the Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis. Pedicularis are often found in acidic, nutrient-poor areas. They’re able to do this because they’re hemiparasitic and “steal” nutrients from the roots of neighboring plants, while also doing some photosynthesis of their own. 

Pedicularis sylvatica on Flickr.

"Lousewort (Orobanchaceae) is more common in the westerly parts of the UK and more generally widespread throughout Ireland. It was a member of the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) family until recently but has now been moved into the Broomrape (Orobanchaceae) family.

Growing to a maximum height of around 20cm Lousewort is a much shorter and more spreading plant than its relative Marsh Lousewort which grows to around 60cm in height.

Lousewort grows in the damp acid soils of heaths, bogs and moors. It is semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants that grow in close proximity to it, and flowers from April to July."