Rare Parasitic Plant Spotted in Belfast's Falls Park for First Time in Nearly 200 Years
A rare and remarkable plant has been rediscovered in Belfast's Falls Park — the first recorded sighting of the toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) in the area in almost two centuries, connecting the park's living ecosystem to botanical records stretching back to the early 19th century.
The find was made by David McNeill, the county recorder for Antrim of the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, who had specifically sought out the plant during a dedicated botanical survey of the park. Upon checking historical records, McNeill confirmed that the last recorded presence of toothwort in Falls Park was in 1828 — noted by botanist George Hyndman — making this rediscovery the first in 198 years.
Background
The toothwort is a fascinating and unusual plant. Unlike the vast majority of plant species, it contains no chlorophyll and is therefore incapable of photosynthesis. Instead, it is entirely parasitic, obtaining all its nutrients by attaching to the roots of host trees — primarily hazel and alder. Because it has no green leaves and spends most of its life underground, it only becomes visible above ground in April, when it sends up its distinctive pale, pinkish-white flowers.
While the toothwort is found across Britain, Ireland, and Europe, it is generally considered a rare and special find. Its presence in Falls Park suggests that the park's ecosystem has maintained the right conditions — including mature hazel and alder trees — to support the plant's underground existence for potentially centuries, even if it went unrecorded for nearly 200 years.
Key Developments
After making the initial discovery, McNeill challenged Fr. Martin Magill — who regularly walks in Falls Park — to find the plant. Fr. Magill successfully spotted it near the wall of the Translink depot, on the far side of the stream. The find has been confirmed and recorded by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.
McNeill noted that the infrequent recording of such plants means that while people may have seen it over the years, official records are scarce. The toothwort was also recorded in the nearby Bog Meadows in 1797 by botanist John Templeton, suggesting a long historical presence in the wider Falls area of Belfast.
Why It Matters
The rediscovery is a reminder that Belfast's parks and green spaces harbour remarkable biodiversity, often hidden from view. Falls Park, one of the city's most beloved public spaces, is not just a place for recreation — it is a living archive of natural history. The find also highlights the importance of dedicated botanical recording and the value of citizen science in documenting the natural world.
For Belfast residents, the toothwort's reappearance is a quiet but genuinely exciting piece of local natural history — a connection to the botanists who walked the same ground nearly two centuries ago and a reminder that nature continues to surprise us, even in the heart of the city.
What's Next
The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland will formally record the sighting in its national database. Wildlife Wellbeing Walks, which connect people with nature and teach about plants and wildlife, are scheduled in Belfast parks from April through June 2026 — offering residents the chance to learn more about the city's remarkable natural heritage. For more on the discovery, see Belfast Media's report.
