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Description
Phelipanche Caesia, commonly known as blue broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is a perennial herb that grows from 10 to 50 cm tall and is found in the Mediterranean area, including North Africa, Europe, and Asia. The plant is known for its blue to purple flowers that bloom from May to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Phelipanche |
Appearance
The blue broomrape has a thick, fleshy stem that is covered in small, scale-like leaves. The stem is often tinged with purple or blue. The flowers, which are the most distinctive feature of the plant, grow in dense spikes and are blue to purple in color. The plant produces a large number of seeds that can remain dormant in the soil for several years.
Care Guide
Phelipanche Caesia is a parasitic plant and therefore does not require the same care as other plants. However, if you want to grow it in your garden, you should plant it in well-drained soil and provide it with plenty of sunlight. The plant is adapted to dry conditions and can tolerate drought, but it does require some water during the growing season. Fertilization is not necessary, as the plant obtains its nutrients from the host plant it parasitizes.
The blue broomrape is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
As a parasitic plant, Phelipanche Caesia is not usually affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too moist.
Habitat
The blue broomrape is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, fields, and meadows. It is often found growing in association with other plants, which it parasitizes to obtain nutrients.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phelipanche Caesia a rare plant?
A: No, the blue broomrape is not considered a rare plant, although it is not commonly found in cultivation.
Q: Can Phelipanche Caesia be grown indoors?
A: No, the blue broomrape is not suitable for indoor cultivation as it requires a host plant to parasitize.
Q: Is Phelipanche Caesia toxic?
A: No, there is no evidence to suggest that the blue broomrape is toxic.
Q: Can Phelipanche Caesia be used for medicinal purposes?
A: No, there are no known medicinal uses for the blue broomrape.
Related Plants
- Phelipanche aegyptiaca
- Phelipanche nana
- Phelipanche purpurea
References
- “Phelipanche Caesia (Blue Broomrape) – Plants For A Future.” Plants For A Future. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 May 2017.
- “Phelipanche Caesia.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Apr. 2017. Web. 02 May 2017.
