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Description
Orobanche Gracilis, also known as the slender broomrape, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is an annual herb that grows up to 20cm in height and lacks chlorophyll, which means it cannot produce its own food. Instead, it relies on the roots of other plants, particularly the Fabaceae family, for nutrients. Orobanche Gracilis is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Orobanche |
Appearance
Orobanche Gracilis has a slender stem that is usually tinged with pink or purple. It has small, scale-like leaves that are reduced to tiny bracts. The flowers are tubular and vary in color from white to pale pink or lilac. They grow in a dense spike at the top of the stem and bloom from June to August. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Orobanche Gracilis is a parasitic plant that does not require any care. However, it is important to note that it can be harmful to its host plant. To prevent the spread of Orobanche Gracilis, it is recommended to remove any affected plants as soon as possible.
Water
As Orobanche Gracilis is a parasitic plant, it does not require any watering.
Fertilization
Orobanche Gracilis does not require any fertilization.
Soil
Orobanche Gracilis does not require any soil as it relies on the roots of other plants for nutrients.
Sunlight
Orobanche Gracilis prefers full sunlight.
Hardiness Zones
Orobanche Gracilis grows well in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orobanche Gracilis does not have any common pests or diseases.
Habitat
Orobanche Gracilis is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in meadows, grasslands, and other open areas. It has also been introduced to North America and can be found in similar habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orobanche Gracilis harmful to its host plant?
A: Yes, Orobanche Gracilis is a parasitic plant that can be harmful to its host plant.
Q: What is the preferred habitat of Orobanche Gracilis?
A: Orobanche Gracilis prefers open areas such as meadows and grasslands.
Q: Does Orobanche Gracilis require any watering or fertilization?
A: No, Orobanche Gracilis does not require any watering or fertilization as it relies on the roots of other plants for nutrients.
Q: Does Orobanche Gracilis have any common pests or diseases?
A: No, Orobanche Gracilis does not have any common pests or diseases.
Related Plants
- Orobanche Hederae
- Orobanche Ramae
- Orobanche Rapum-genistae
- Orobanche Minor
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Orobanche gracilis Sm. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ORGR
- University of Wisconsin-Madison. (n.d.). Orobanche gracilis. Retrieved from https://www.botany.wisc.edu/wisflora/floristics/FNA/FNA16/16_172.html
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Orobanche gracilis. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c943
