Contents
Description
Orobanche Alba, commonly known as White Broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. This herbaceous plant is native to Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. It has a unique ability to parasitize a wide range of host plants, including legumes and other herbaceous species.The plant is characterized by its elongated stem, which ranges from 10 to 30 cm in height. The stem is usually pale yellow or creamy white in color, and it lacks chlorophyll, which means that it cannot produce its food. Instead, it relies on its host plant for nutrients.The flowers of Orobanche Alba are usually white or pale yellow in color and are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. The plant blooms from May to August, depending on its location and growing conditions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Orobanche |
Appearance
Orobanche Alba is a herbaceous plant with an elongated stem that ranges from 10 to 30 cm in height. The stem is usually pale yellow or creamy white in color and lacks chlorophyll. The leaves of the plant are reduced to small scales that are present on the stem.The flowers of Orobanche Alba are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence and are usually white or pale yellow in color. The plant blooms from May to August, depending on its location and growing conditions.
Care Guide
Orobanche Alba is a parasitic plant that does not require any care, as it relies on its host plant for nutrients. However, if you want to grow the plant, you will need to find a suitable host plant to support it.The plant prefers well-draining soil and a sunny location. It is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9. Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it, as this can cause root rot.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orobanche Alba is generally free from pests and diseases, as it does not have any leaves or chlorophyll to attract them.
Habitat
Orobanche Alba is native to Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes. The plant usually parasitizes legumes and other herbaceous species.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orobanche Alba a flowering plant?
A: Yes, Orobanche Alba is a flowering plant. It produces white or pale yellow flowers that are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence.
Q: Does Orobanche Alba require any care?
A: Orobanche Alba is a parasitic plant that does not require any care, as it relies on its host plant for nutrients.
Q: What is the habitat of Orobanche Alba?
A: Orobanche Alba is native to Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, and rocky slopes.
Q: Is Orobanche Alba hardy?
A: Yes, Orobanche Alba is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Related Plants
- Orobanche Hederae
- Orobanche Rapum-Genistae
- Orobanche Ramosa
- Orobanche Minor
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orobanche_alba
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/26995/orobanche-alba/details
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/orobanche-alba-white-broomrape
- https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/plant/orobanche-alba
