Contents
Description
Orobanche cernua, commonly known as the nodding broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and it can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and mountain slopes. The plant has no chlorophyll and obtains all its nutrients from the roots of its host plants. Orobanche cernua can grow up to 30cm tall and produces numerous flowering spikes that can be yellow, purple, or white in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ———– | ———–| ———–| ———–| ———–| ———–| ———–|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Lamiales| Orobanchaceae | Orobanche|
Appearance
The nodding broomrape has a fleshy stem that is covered with small scales. The leaves are reduced to small scales that are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The flowers are arranged in a spike and are nodding in appearance. They are tubular and have a five-lobed corolla that can be yellow, purple, or white in color. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Orobanche cernua is a parasitic plant that does not require any care as it obtains all its nutrients from the roots of its host plants. However, it is important to note that the plant can be harmful to its host plant and should be removed if it is causing significant damage.
Water
As a parasitic plant, Orobanche cernua does not require any additional watering.
Fertilization
As a parasitic plant, Orobanche cernua does not require any additional fertilization.
Soil
As a parasitic plant, Orobanche cernua does not require any specific soil conditions.
Sunlight
Orobanche cernua prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Orobanche cernua can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orobanche cernua is not susceptible to any pests or diseases as it is a parasitic plant that does not have any leaves or stems for pests to attack.
Habitat
Orobanche cernua can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and mountain slopes. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow in full sunlight or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orobanche cernua harmful to its host plant?
A: Yes, Orobanche cernua is a parasitic plant that can be harmful to its host plant if it is causing significant damage.
Q: What is the preferred habitat for Orobanche cernua?
A: Orobanche cernua can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and mountain slopes. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow in full sunlight or partial shade.
Q: Does Orobanche cernua require any care?
A: As a parasitic plant, Orobanche cernua does not require any care as it obtains all its nutrients from the roots of its host plants.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Orobanche cernua?
A: Orobanche cernua can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Related Plants
– Orobanche minor- Orobanche hederae- Orobanche rapum-genistae- Orobanche elatior
References
– “Orobanche cernua”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-08-17.- “Orobanche cernua”. Flora of China. Retrieved 2021-08-17.- “Orobanche cernua”. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 2021-08-17.
