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Description
Aphyllon Californicum Subsp. Californicum, commonly known as the California Broomrape Plant, is a species of parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is endemic to California, found in various habitats ranging from chaparral to oak woodlands. This plant has no chlorophyll and obtains its nutrients from the roots of other plants by attaching itself to them. The California Broomrape Plant has a small, yellowish, and fragrant flower that blooms from May to July.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Aphyllon |
Appearance
The California Broomrape Plant has a stem that is light yellow to purple in color, with few or no scales. The stem can grow up to 20 cm tall and is often branched. The leaves are reduced to small scales and are not photosynthetic. The flower is small, yellowish, and tubular with five lobes. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds. The plant blooms from May to July.
Care Guide
The California Broomrape Plant is a parasitic plant and does not require any care. However, if you want to grow it in your garden, you need to find a host plant for it to attach to. The host plant should be a species that grows in your area and is compatible with the California Broomrape Plant. The following are the care guidelines for the host plant:- Water: Water the host plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the host plant with a balanced fertilizer in the growing season.- Soil: The host plant should be grown in well-draining soil.- Sunlight: The host plant should receive full to partial sunlight depending on its requirements.- Hardiness Zones: The host plant should be grown in the hardiness zones suitable for its species.
Common Pests & Diseases
The California Broomrape Plant has no known pests or diseases. However, the host plant may be susceptible to pests and diseases. Some of the common pests and diseases that affect the host plant are:- Aphids- Spider mites- Powdery mildew- Root rot
Habitat
The California Broomrape Plant is native to California and is found in various habitats ranging from chaparral to oak woodlands. It is a root parasite and attaches itself to the roots of other plants for its nutrients. The host plants for the California Broomrape Plant include various species of shrubs and herbs that grow in its native habitat.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the California Broomrape Plant easy to care for?
A: The California Broomrape Plant is a parasitic plant and does not require any care. However, if you want to grow it in your garden, you need to find a host plant for it to attach to.
Q: Can the California Broomrape Plant grow without a host plant?
A: No, the California Broomrape Plant is a parasitic plant and cannot grow without a host plant to attach to.
Q: What is the blooming season for the California Broomrape Plant?
A: The California Broomrape Plant blooms from May to July.
Q: What is the habitat of the California Broomrape Plant?
A: The California Broomrape Plant is native to California and is found in various habitats ranging from chaparral to oak woodlands.
Related Plants
– Aphyllon Fasiculatum- Castilleja Exserta- Orobanche Uniflora- Pedicularis Densiflora
References
– California Native Plant Society. (n.d.). Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum. Retrieved from https://www.calscape.org/Aphyllon-californicum-subsp.-californicum-()- Jepson Herbarium. (n.d.). Aphyllon californicum subsp. californicum. Retrieved from https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_display.php?tid=77348
