Broomrapes in Bonchurch, Isle of Wight.

Broomrapes are total parasites on various plants.  Their leaves are reduced to scales and they have no chlorophyll.  Since they live underground you can only see them when they flower.  So what a joy last week, to see these flowering right by a public footpath in Upper Bonchurch.

They look like Ivy Broomrape.

There were more too...

This one was emerging from the lawn of the village hall, formerly a school.

There were also lots by the path through the churchyard cliff, which might be Common Broomrapes.  It is hard to tell after the event.

This tranquil path through the churchyard was en route from the Winterbourne to the pub.