Orobanche

Description

Orobanche, commonly known as broomrape, is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of host plants and steals nutrients. It belongs to the family Orobanchaceae and is found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are over 200 species of Orobanche, each with a unique host plant preference. Some species of Orobanche are considered agricultural pests, as they can significantly reduce crop yields. However, some species are also used in traditional medicine for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukaryota

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Angiosperms

Class: Eudicots

Order: Lamiales

Family: Orobanchaceae

Genus: Orobanche

Appearance

Orobanche has a unique appearance, with a lack of chlorophyll and no leaves. The stem is thick and fleshy, ranging from yellow to brownish-red in color. The flowers are tubular and vary in color from white to yellow or purple. Orobanche can grow between 10 to 60 centimeters in height, depending on the species and host plant.

Care Guide

Orobanche is a parasitic plant and therefore does not require typical care. However, controlling the spread of Orobanche in agricultural settings is important to prevent crop damage. Avoid planting host plants in areas where Orobanche has been previously identified. Herbicides can also be used to control the spread of Orobanche.

Water

Orobanche does not require watering, as it obtains its nutrients from the host plant.

Fertilization

Orobanche does not require fertilization, as it obtains its nutrients from the host plant.

Soil

Orobanche does not require soil, as it attaches itself to the roots of the host plant.

Sunlight

Orobanche does not require sunlight, as it obtains its nutrients from the host plant.

Hardiness Zones

Orobanche can grow in a variety of hardiness zones, depending on the species and host plant.

Common Pests & Diseases

Orobanche is a parasitic plant and therefore does not typically experience pests or diseases. However, if left uncontrolled, Orobanche can significantly reduce crop yields.

Habitat

Orobanche is found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and agricultural fields.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Orobanche harmful to humans?

A: No, Orobanche is not harmful to humans.

Q: Can Orobanche be used in traditional medicine?

A: Yes, some species of Orobanche are used in traditional medicine for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Q: How does Orobanche affect crop yields?

A: Orobanche is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of host plants and steals nutrients. If left uncontrolled, Orobanche can significantly reduce crop yields.

Q: How can I control the spread of Orobanche in my garden?

A: Avoid planting host plants in areas where Orobanche has been previously identified. Herbicides can also be used to control the spread of Orobanche.

Related Plants

• Phelipanche
• Aeginetia
• Boschniakia
• Cistanche

References

• “Orobanche.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 26 May 2021.
• “Broomrape (Orobanche spp.).” Plant Health Australia. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, n.d. Web. 26 May 2021.
• “Orobanche.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 26 May 2021.