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Description
Orobanche Teucrii, also known as Teucrium broteroi subsp. broteroi, is a root parasite plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to Portugal and Spain and commonly found in the Mediterranean region. This plant is known for its parasitic nature, which means it obtains its nutrients from the roots of other plants, particularly Teucrium.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Orobanche |
Appearance
Orobanche Teucrii is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has a brown stem with small, scale-like leaves that lack chlorophyll. The flowers are pink to purple in color, bilaterally symmetrical, and arranged in dense spikes. The plant produces small, egg-shaped capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Orobanche Teucrii is a parasitic plant, and it does not require any special care or attention. However, if you want to cultivate it, you should plant it near its host plant, Teucrium. Here are some tips for caring for Orobanche Teucrii:
- Water: This plant does not require watering since it relies on its host plant for water.
- Fertilization: Since it is a parasitic plant, it does not require any fertilization.
- Soil: It can grow in various types of soil, but it requires a host plant to survive.
- Sunlight: It prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Orobanche Teucrii is hardy in USDA Zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orobanche Teucrii is not known to be susceptible to any pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by the health of its host plant, Teucrium. Make sure that the host plant is healthy to ensure the survival of Orobanche Teucrii.
Habitat
Orobanche Teucrii is native to Portugal and Spain and is commonly found in the Mediterranean region. It grows in various habitats, including meadows, woodlands, and rocky areas. It typically grows near its host plant, Teucrium.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orobanche Teucrii an invasive plant?
A: No, Orobanche Teucrii is not considered an invasive plant since it relies on its host plant to survive.
Q: Can I cultivate Orobanche Teucrii in a pot?
A: No, Orobanche Teucrii requires a host plant to survive, and it cannot be cultivated in a pot.
Q: Is Orobanche Teucrii a medicinal plant?
A: No, Orobanche Teucrii is not known for its medicinal properties.
Q: Can Orobanche Teucrii grow without a host plant?
A: No, Orobanche Teucrii is a parasitic plant, and it requires a host plant to survive.
Related Plants
- Orobanche Hederae
- Orobanche Rapum-genistae
- Orobanche Crenata
- Orobanche Purpurea
References
- Flora-On: Orobanche Teucrii. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://flora-on.pt/index.php?q=Orobanche-teucrii
- Lamont, E. E., & Mennen, M. A. (2015). Orobanche teucrii in the United States: Its discovery, life cycle, and potential as a biological control agent. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 8(4), 401-411.
- Martin, M. P., & Gonzalez-Coloma, A. (2011). The genus Orobanche L. (Orobanchaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 98(2), 234-275.
