Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: Kirschl.
Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Alsace: 109 (1836)
Year: 1836
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Orobanche
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to SW. Siberia and China (Sichuan, W. Hubei)
Description
Alsatian broomrape, scientifically known as Orobanche alsatica, is a fascinating and unique plant species belonging to the family Orobanchaceae. This parasitic plant has garnered interest due to its distinctive nature and the specificity of its ecological niches.
First officially described in 1836 by Kirschl. in “Prodr. Fl. Alsace: 109,” Alsatian broomrape has an intriguing distribution that spans across Europe, southwestern Siberia, and parts of China, specifically in Sichuan and western Hubei. This widespread range signals the plant’s adaptability to various climates and geographical settings, although it remains predominantly in Eurasian territories.
As a member of the Orobanchaceae family, Alsatian broomrape exhibits the typical characteristics of parasitic plants. It survives by attaching to the roots of host plants, from which it derives water and essential nutrients. This relationship is critical for the broomrape’s survival, as it has evolved to rely entirely on its hosts for sustenance, lacking the chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis.
The lifecycle and morphology of Orobanche alsatica reflect its parasitic lifestyle. It is often identified by its pale, ghostly appearance, a common trait among broomrapes, which contrasts starkly with the vibrant green of photosynthetic plants. This lack of color indicates its dependence on host plants, as it does not perform photosynthesis.
In terms of habitat, Orobanche alsatica can often be found in meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands where its host plants are present. This preference highlights its requirement for specific ecological interactions and its role within these plant communities.
Due to its specialized nature and the specific conditions required for its survival, Alsatian broomrape is an excellent example of coevolution and adaptation within the plant kingdom. Its presence in diverse regions from Europe to Asia underscores its remarkable capacity to thrive in various environments through a highly specialized parasitic mechanism.
Overall, Orobanche alsatica offers significant insight into plant relationships and ecological dynamics, making it a subject of continued botanical and ecological study. Understanding its biology and distribution helps underline the intricate balance within ecosystems and the evolutionary paths plants can take to sustain themselves in the natural world.
Common Names
Deu: elsässer sommerwurz, elsässer sommerwurz i.w.s.
En: Alsatian Broomrape
Zh: Duo se lie dang
Nl: Elzassische Bremraap
Fr: Orobanche d’Alsace
De: Elsässer Sommerwurz, Elsässer Sommerwurz i.w.S., Elsässische Sommerwurz, Haarstrang-Sommerwurz
It: Succiamele della Cervaria
: Alsatian broomrape
Synonyms
- Orobanche minor subsp. alsatica ((Kirschl.) Nyman)
Distribution
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Krym (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Jean Claude Estatico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Jean Claude Estatico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Jean Claude Estatico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 10, 2018 by Olivier Le Gall (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Gibaru olivier (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 4, 2018 by Martin Love (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jun 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7332642)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:662100-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orobanche alsatica Kirschl.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]
Soil nutriments: 2