Contents
Description
Orobanche Caryophyllacea, commonly known as the pink broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and North Africa, where it grows in sandy and rocky soils. It is a root parasite that attaches to the roots of other plants, particularly those in the Caryophyllaceae family, and absorbs nutrients and water from them. The pink broomrape has a stem that can grow up to 60cm tall and produces small pink flowers with a yellow center. Its leaves are reduced to small scales, and it has a fleshy and tubular stem. The plant produces fruit capsules filled with small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Orobanche |
Appearance
The Orobanche Caryophyllacea has a unique appearance due to its parasitic nature. It produces a fleshy, tubular stem that can grow up to 60cm tall. The stem is typically pinkish or yellowish in color and has small scales instead of leaves. The plant produces small pink flowers with a yellow center that bloom from May to August. These flowers grow in clusters and are quite attractive. The plant also produces small fruit capsules filled with tiny seeds that can be dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
The Orobanche Caryophyllacea is not typically grown as a decorative plant, but if you are interested in growing it, there are a few things to keep in mind. Water: As a parasitic plant, the pink broomrape does not require water as it absorbs nutrients and water from the roots of other plants.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization.Soil: The Orobanche Caryophyllacea grows in sandy and rocky soils.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun exposure.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Orobanche Caryophyllacea is not typically affected by pests or diseases as it is a parasitic plant that does not require a healthy host plant to survive.
Habitat
The Orobanche Caryophyllacea is native to Europe and North Africa, where it grows in sandy and rocky soils. It is typically found in open and sunny areas and attaches itself to the roots of other plants, particularly those in the Caryophyllaceae family.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Orobanche Caryophyllacea a decorative plant?
A: It is not typically grown as a decorative plant.Q: Does the plant require water and fertilization?
A: As a parasitic plant, the Orobanche Caryophyllacea does not require water or fertilization.Q: What is the plant’s preferred sunlight exposure?
A: The plant prefers full sun exposure.Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect the Orobanche Caryophyllacea?
A: The plant is not typically affected by pests or diseases.
Related Plants
– Orobanche Hederae- Orobanche Rapum-genistae- Orobanche Sanguinea- Orobanche Variegata
References
– “Orobanche Caryophyllacea” Plants for a Future. Available online: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Orobanche+caryophyllacea- “Orobanche Caryophyllacea” Flora of North America. Available online: http://floranorthamerica.org/Orobanche_caryophyllacea
