Once considered to belong to the Orobanche genus, Phelipanche mutelii are pretty little flowers varying in colour from deep violet to pale violet, but there appearance belies their lifestyle as they are parasites. They have no chlorophyl and rely upon other plants to provide them with energy and nutrients. They grow on a variety of plants but in Skopelos mainly on the alien Oxalis pes-caprae (Bermuda buttercup). There are two varieties, both present on Skopelos, var. muteli and var. nana.