Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: Sutton
Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. 4: 178 (1798)
Year: 1798
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Orobanche
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to NW. & C. China and N. Iran
Description
Tall broomrape, scientifically known as Orobanche elatior, is a fascinating and rare parasitic plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This unique species garnered attention in botany circles when it was first described by Sutton in a publication dating back to 1798, as recorded in the Transactions of the Linnean Society.
Native to a widespread range that includes regions of Europe, northwestern and central China, as well as northern Iran, Orobanche elatior demonstrates the impressive adaptability of parasitic plants to diverse ecosystems. Unlike most plants that synthesize their own food through photosynthesis, tall broomrape relies entirely on extracting nutrients and water from the roots of its host plants. This parasitic relationship is integral to its survival and offers a window into the complex interdependencies that characterize natural ecosystems.
Typically, the taller stature of Orobanche elatior allows it to stand out among other members of the Orobanchaceae family. The plant produces strikingly beautiful and colorful flower spikes that vary in hue and are a remarkable sight during their flowering season. These floral displays not only enhance the aesthetic value of their natural habitats but also play essential roles in the plant’s reproductive strategies.
The distribution of Orobanche elatior across such a broad geographical expanse speaks volumes about its ecological adaptability. However, it also draws attention to the conservation challenges faced by parasitic plants in general. Habitat destruction, changes in land use, and the decline of suitable host plants pose significant threats to the survival of tall broomrape. Consequently, preserving its natural habitats and understanding its ecological role are critical for its continued existence.
In conclusion, Orobanche elatior is a remarkable parasitic plant with a rich historical background and significant ecological presence across Europe, northwest and central China, and northern Iran. Its distinct growth habits and the vivid beauty of its flowers make it a subject of both scientific study and aesthetic appreciation. Protecting this species ensures the preservation of biodiversity and the intricate web of life that sustains our planet.
Common Names
Deu: große sommerwurz
Dan: stor gyvelkvæler
Eng: knapweed broomrape, tall broomrape
Lav: liela brunkate
Nld: centauriebremraap
Swe: klintsnyltrot
Nob: knoppurtsnylterot
Nno: knoppurtsnylterot
Cym: caldrist y banadl, gorfanadl y bengaled, gorfanc hir, gorfanhadlen y bengaled
En: Tall broomrape, Knapweed broomrape
Zh: Duan chun lie dang, 短唇列当
Cs: Záraza vyšší
Da: Stor gyvelkvæler
Nl: Centauriebremraap
Et: Suur soomukas
Fi: Kaunokinnäive
Fr: Grande Orobanche
De: Große Sommerwurz, Gelbe Sommerwurz
Hu: Nagy szádor
It: Succiamele della Centaurea, Succiamele prataiolo
Lv: Liela brunkate
Lt: Didžioji džioveklė
Nb: Knoppurtsnylterot
Nn: Knoppurtsnylterot
Pl: Zaraza wielka
Sv: Klintsnyltrot
Cy: Gorfanhadlen y bengaled, Caldrist y Banadl, Gorfanadl y Bengaled, Gorfanc Hir
Synonyms
- Orobanche major var. ritro ((Gren. & Godr.) Willk.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krym (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by Klaus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2020 by William Luscombe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Zlatan Celebic (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2021 by Mark Street (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by chantal charrier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2022 by Thijs walnoot (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Julijana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by sean pyman (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Eric Bossard (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Hervé BRULÉ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2016 by carmen Pérez (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 28, 2021 by Óscar Mencía (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7718653)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:662313-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orobanche elatior Sutton)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 2