Family: Santalaceae
false toadflax, northern comandra
Robert W. Freckmann
Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
Etymology: Geocaulon: Greek geo for earth and caulos for "stem of plant," referring to long slightly subterranean but scarcely modified stems
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-12" tall forb
Leaves: elliptical to oval; 1/2"-1 1/2"; tip blunt to rounded
Flowers: greenish to purple, 5-parted, 1/8" wide, tepals triangular; inflorescence of usually 3 flowers per cyme-like cluster from the upper leaf axils, side flowers often drop leaving only the center one to mature; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: orange to red, juicy berry
Habitat: wet; bogs, and cold, conifer woods
Conservation Status: Endangered
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-12" tall forb
Leaves: elliptical to oval; 1/2"-1 1/2"; tip blunt to rounded
Flowers: greenish to purple, 5-parted, 1/8" wide, tepals triangular; inflorescence of usually 3 flowers per cyme-like cluster from the upper leaf axils, side flowers often drop leaving only the center one to mature; blooms June-Aug.
Fruits: orange to red, juicy berry
Habitat: wet; bogs, and cold, conifer woods
Conservation Status: Endangered
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10, Wetland Indicator = FACW- WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin listed species including state and federal status, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos
Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources
Corey Raimond
Kitty Kohout