Contents
1. Description
Aphyllon Cooperi, commonly known as Cooper’s broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to North America and often found in dry, sandy soil, especially in California. This plant usually grows up to 20-60 cm in height and has thin, yellowish-brown stems that lack leaves. Instead, it has small, scale-like structures that are modified leaves.
2. Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Aphyllon |
3. Appearance
Aphyllon Cooperi produces small, yellowish-brown flowers that bloom from April to June. These flowers grow in dense clusters at the top of the stem and have a tubular shape with two lips. The upper lip is usually purple or pink, while the lower lip is yellowish-green. The plant’s fruit is a capsule that contains many small, reddish-brown seeds.
4. Care Guide
Aphyllon Cooperi is a parasitic plant that doesn’t require much care. However, it does need a host plant to survive, so it’s best to plant it near a host plant such as sagebrush or rabbitbrush. Here are some tips for caring for Aphyllon Cooperi:
- Water: This plant doesn’t need much water, as it gets most of its nutrients from the host plant.
- Fertilization: Aphyllon Cooperi doesn’t require fertilization, as it is a parasitic plant.
- Soil: This plant prefers dry, sandy soil.
- Sunlight: Aphyllon Cooperi thrives in full sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
5. Common Pests & Diseases
Aphyllon Cooperi doesn’t have many pests or diseases. However, it can sometimes be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil.
6. Habitat
Aphyllon Cooperi is native to North America and is often found in dry, sandy soil, especially in California. It prefers open areas with full sunlight and is often associated with sagebrush or rabbitbrush.
7. Question and Answer
- Q: Is Aphyllon Cooperi an invasive species?
- A: No, Aphyllon Cooperi is not considered an invasive species.
- Q: Can Aphyllon Cooperi survive without a host plant?
- A: No, Aphyllon Cooperi is a parasitic plant that requires a host plant to survive.
- Q: How do I propagate Aphyllon Cooperi?
- A: Aphyllon Cooperi can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and planting them near a host plant.
- Q: Does Aphyllon Cooperi have medicinal properties?
- A: There is no evidence to suggest that Aphyllon Cooperi has medicinal properties.
9. Related Plants
- Aphyllon Californicum
- Aphyllon Uniflorum
- Aphyllon Fascatum
- Aphyllon Ludovicianum
10. References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Aphyllon Cooperi. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=APCO11
- Calflora. (n.d.). Aphyllon Cooperi. Retrieved from https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Aphyllon+cooperi
- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Aphyllon Cooperi. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250094690
