Rhynchocorys

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Rhynchocorys is a small group of flowering plants in the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae). They are native to Europe, as well as Morocco and Algeria. The genus used to be placed in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae).

The name Rhynchocorys comes from Greek words meaning “snout” and “helmet,” a reference to the shape of the plant’s style.

Relationship and classification
Rhynchocorys is the sister group to Lathraea and Rhinanthus. Together with other genera in the Rhinantheae tribe—such as Bartsia, Euphrasia, Tozzia, Hedbergia, Bellardia, and Odontites—they form a close-knit group within the core Rhinantheae. Melampyrum is a more distant relative.

Taxonomy and species
The genus was described in 1844 by August Grisebach, with Rhynchocorys elephas as the type species.

Eight species are recognized in Rhynchocorys:
- Rhynchocorys boissieri
- Rhynchocorys elephas
- Rhynchocorys intermedia
- Rhynchocorys kurdica
- Rhynchocorys maxima
- Rhynchocorys odontophylla
- Rhynchocorys orientalis
- Rhynchocorys stricta

Note: Some species have historical synonyms that appeared under different names.