yellow broomrape Orobanche lutea

Orobanchaceae

Species information

Other scientific names

Orobanche rubens

Description

A chlorophyll-free parasitic plant with scale leaves and tubular flowers in a dense or loose spike. It grows in habitats such as sunny, dry, base-rich grasslands, open slopes and margins, usually on calcareous soils.

Plant traits

Growth form

geophyte

Life cycle

biennial or perennial

Height

30–50 cm

Typical season

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Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

dry grasslands · rocky habitats · forest edge

Light

full sun

Moisture

dry

Soil

base-rich

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

Unlike green hemiparasites, it obtains both water and organic carbon from its host. Its very small seeds are primarily dispersed by wind.

LifeSystems

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