Contents
Description
Orobanche Elatior, also known as tall broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and can grow up to 60 cm in height. The plant has a yellowish-brown stem, which is often branched and covered with small hairs. The leaves are reduced to scales and the flowers are yellowish or purplish in color. Orobanche Elatior is a root parasite, meaning it attaches itself to the roots of other plants and feeds off of their nutrients.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Orobanche |
Appearance
The Orobanche Elatior plant is characterized by a yellowish-brown stem that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The stem is often branched and covered with small hairs. The leaves of the plant are reduced to scales, which are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The flowers of the plant are yellowish or purplish in color and grow in dense spikes. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Orobanche Elatior is a parasitic plant and therefore does not require any care. However, if you wish to grow it in your garden, you should plant it near the roots of a suitable host plant. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It can be grown in hardiness zones 4 to 8. Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering. Fertilization is not necessary as the plant obtains its nutrients from the host plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orobanche Elatior is not known to be affected by any pests or diseases. However, it is important to ensure that the host plant is healthy and free of any pests or diseases, as this can affect the growth and health of the Orobanche Elatior plant.
Habitat
Orobanche Elatior is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, pastures, and open woodland. The plant is often found growing near the roots of other plants, which it parasitizes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orobanche Elatior a flowering plant?
A: Yes, Orobanche Elatior produces yellowish or purplish flowers.
Q: Can Orobanche Elatior be grown in a container?
A: No, Orobanche Elatior is a parasitic plant and requires a suitable host plant to grow.
Q: Is Orobanche Elatior toxic?
A: There is not enough information available to determine whether Orobanche Elatior is toxic or not.
Q: Can Orobanche Elatior be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Orobanche Elatior has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including coughs and bronchitis. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support its use for medicinal purposes.
Related Plants
- Orobanche Hederae
- Orobanche Rapum-Genistae
- Orobanche Lutea
- Orobanche Alba
References
- “Orobanche Elatior (Orobanchaceae) in the flora of Poland: distribution, habitats and morphology.” Annales Botanici Fennici, vol. 50, no. 6, 2013, pp. 411-422.
- “Orobanche Elatior.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286969. Accessed 19 Aug. 2021.
- “Orobanche Elatior.” Plants For A Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Orobanche+elatior. Accessed 19 Aug. 2021.
