Blokiahela

Blokiahela is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the family Orobanchaceae. The sole species, Blokiahela veridensis, is endemic to the cloud forests of the Veridia highlands. The genus and species were described in 2003 by botanists L. R. Carter and P. N. Silva, based on material collected during the 1998 Veridia Field Expedition.

Taxonomy and classification place Blokiahela within the order Lamiales of the asterid clade, in the family Orobanchaceae. As a member of this group, Blokiahela is characterized by a parasitic or hemiparasitic lifestyle, with most photosynthesis performed by the host plant rather than by the parasite itself.

Description and morphology are typical of a small, leafless parasitic herb. Blokiahela veridensis forms slender, green-tinged stems 6–12 cm tall, with reduced, scale-like leaves. The inflorescence is a terminal spike bearing tubular flowers that range from yellow to pale orange, roughly 12–16 mm in length. Fruits are small capsules containing numerous seeds. The plant lacks robust photosynthetic tissue and relies on haustorial connections to host roots for nutrients.

Ecology and habitat: Blokiahela veridensis inhabits shaded, mossy understories within montane cloud forests at elevations around 1,400–2,000 meters. It parasitizes the roots of various tree species, including members of Fagaceae and Ericaceae, using specialized haustoria to connect to host vascular tissue. Pollination is understood to be carried out by native bees; seed dispersal mechanisms are limited, with germination depending on proximity to suitable hosts.

Conservation and naming: The species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and climate pressures. The genus name honors botanist Dr. Maria Blok, in recognition of her work on parasitic plant lineages; the species epithet veridensis references Veridia, the country of origin for the type material.