Broomrape

More Flower Resources Scotch Broom Flower Power

With very few exceptions, members of the Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae) are characterized as parasitic plants that receive all or most of their nourishment by tapping into the roots of other plants.

The name broomrape comes from the fact that early botanists associated their parasitic behavior with broom plants, a couple of genera in the Pea family. The Scotch Broom would be one example of a broom plant.

The top picture shows a One-flowered Broomrape (Orobanche uniflora), sometimes called One-flowered Cancer Root or Naked Broomrape. It is a native plant found throughout the United States and parasitizes plants in the saxifrage and aster family.

The flower measures one to two inches in length and is sits atop a short stem (an inch or two above ground near host plants) with no leaves.

While Orobanche uniflora is not considered a noxious weed, many Orobanchaceae species receive that designation because of their ability to significantly decrease crop yields in agricultural areas.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels