Greater broomrape (Orobanche rapum-genistae, Fl. Env. Paris, ed. 2: 317 (1799))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: Thuill.

Bibliography: Fl. Env. Paris, ed. 2: 317 (1799)

Year: 1799

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Orobanche

Vegetable: False

Observations: NW. Europe to W. & C. Medit.

Description

Greater broomrape (Orobanche rapum-genistae) is a captivating and distinctive plant known for its parasitic nature. Belonging to the family Orobanchaceae, this intriguing species thrives across diverse geographical regions stretching from Northwest Europe to the Western and Central Mediterranean. First documented by the botanist Thuill. in the seminal work “Fl. Env. Paris” in 1799, Greater broomrape has since drawn considerable interest from botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Unlike most plants, Greater broomrape lacks chlorophyll and is entirely dependent on host plants for sustenance. It attaches to the roots of its hosts, extracting water and essential nutrients through specialized structures known as haustoria. This unique parasitic lifestyle allows Orobanche rapum-genistae to flourish in various habitats without the necessity for photosynthesis.

The flower of the Greater broomrape typically exhibits a striking appearance, often characterized by a robust, erect stem bearing an inflorescence of densely packed, tubular flowers. The coloration of these flowers can range from a subtle yellowish hue to more vibrant purples, making it a standout plant despite its parasitic nature.

This plant not only plays a fascinating role in the complex web of ecological interactions but also serves as a subject of study in understanding plant parasitism and the evolution of non-photosynthetic species. Its widespread presence from the cool climates of Northwest Europe to the warmer regions of the Mediterranean underscores its adaptability and ecological significance.

In summary, the Greater broomrape is a remarkable specimen within the Orobanchaceae family, marked by its parasitic life cycle and diverse habitat range. Documented since the late 18th century, this plant continues to intrigue and inform contemporary botanical research and ecological studies.

Common Names

Deu: ginster-sommerwurz, ginstersommerwurz
Eng: greater broomrape, great broomrape
Nld: grote bremraap
Fra: orobanche du genêt
Cym: gorfanhadlen fawr
En: Greater broomrape, Great Broomrape
Ca: Frare del ginestell
Nl: Grote bremraap
Fr: Orobanche du genêt, Orobanche des genêts, Orobanche rave de genêt
De: Ginster-Sommerwurz, Ginstersommerwurz, Ginster-Würger
It: Succiamele maggiore
Wa: Orobantche del djiniesse
Cy: Gorfanhadlen fawr

Synonyms

• Orobanche cytisi (Duby)
• Orobanche palatina (F.W.Schultz)
• Orobanche cytisi-scopari (Vaucher ex Duby)
• Orobanche rapum var. flavescens (Guss.)
• Orobanche insolita (J.A.Guim.)
• Orobanche rapum var. bracteosa (Reut.)
• Orobanche sarothamnophyta (St.-Lag.)
• Orobanche carnea (Guss.)
• Orobanche rapum-genistae subvar. pycnostaxys (J.A.Guim.)
• Orobanche benthamii (Timb.-Lagr.)
• Orobanche rapum-genistae subsp. benthamii ((Timb.-Lagr.) P.Fourn.)
• Orobanche pubescens (Gilib.)
• Orobanche bracteosa (Nyman)
• Orobanche rapum-genistae var. bracteosa (Reut.)
• Orobanche rapum (Wallr.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2019 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2019 by Sofia Blanco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2021 by beurny (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by donalddavesne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Christina Lazaridou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Mariano Aguilar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Alex Alex Rawlinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2021 by Asd Syr (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Juber (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Sarami (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Rodrigo Machado (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Dany ROUSSEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Sento Beneyto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:662643-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3731346)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orobanche rapum-genistae Thuill.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 2