The harzards and mutability of botanical nomenclature are exemplified by this little poorly known herb. The genus Centranthera was also given to an orchid, which is now known as Pleurothallis. And then also, the genus Centrantherum (rather than Centranthera) is the genus of a daisies which also occur in FNQ. And more, this herb was previously part of the Snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae) but has been shifted to the Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). Potentially very confusing indeed.
This plant is probably semi-parasitic, given it’s familial affinities to the Broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) and Witchweeds (Striga spp.). It obviously has green leaves and stems, which allow it to photosynthesize and make at least some of it’s own food.
The plant is by not means a very easily spotted on in the abscence of flowers, but the flowers are quite showy when in bloom, and quite unmistakable given their size and shape. I think of this plant as the tropical ecological equivalent to some of the Eyebrights (Euphrasia spp.) (also a member of the Orobanchaceae) in temperate Australia.
Leaf Whispering in the Tropics 