Family: Orobanchaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Enum. Stirp. Vindob.: 108 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Orobanche
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Canary Is., Morocco, Europe to Medit. and W. Himalaya
Description
The Yarrow Broomrape, known scientifically as Orobanche purpurea, is a fascinating parasitic plant belonging to the Orobanchaceae family. Described first in the 18th century by the notable botanist Jacquin in “Enum. Stirp. Vindob.” on page 108, this intriguing species has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its unique characteristics and diverse habitat range.
Yarrow Broomrape is a parasitic plant, drawing nutrients and essential resources from its host plants, which include a variety of yarrow species. Unlike most plants, it lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on its hosts for sustenance, which is a distinctive trait of the Orobanchaceae family.
The geographical distribution of Orobanche purpurea is quite extensive. It can be found across the Canary Islands and Morocco, extending through Europe, favoring the Mediterranean climate, and stretching as far as the Western Himalayas. This wide distribution showcases the adaptability of the species to diverse environmental conditions, from coastal regions to mountainous terrains.
The plant is known for its striking appearance, typically showcasing a tall, slender stem adorned with purplish flowers. These flowers, which bloom in dense clusters, add a touch of color to its often inconspicuous existence within the flora it parasitizes. Despite its parasitic nature, the Yarrow Broomrape plays an important role in its ecosystem, contributing to the biodiversity and complexity of plant interactions.
Studies have shown that Orobanche purpurea has a specialized lifecycle adapted to its parasitic lifestyle. The seed germination is triggered by chemical signals released by the roots of host plants, leading to the development of a haustorium, an organ that attaches to the host roots and enables the transfer of nutrients.
In summary, Orobanche purpurea, or Yarrow Broomrape, is a unique and specialized parasitic plant with a broad distribution from the Canary Islands and Morocco through Europe to the Mediterranean region and up to the Western Himalayas. Its life cycle, ecological role, and striking appearance make it a subject of interest in the botanic community.
Common Names
En: Yarrow broomrape, Purple broomrape
Da: Røllike-gyvelkvæler
Nl: Blauwe bremraap
Et: Punane soomukas
Fi: Kärsämönnäive
Fr: Orobanche pourprée, Orobanche pourpre
Ka: Კელაპტარა
De: Purpursommerwurz, Violette Sommerwurz
Nb: Rylliksnylterot
Nn: Rylliksnylterot
Sv: Röllikesnyltrot, Violett snyltrot, Rölliksnyltrot
Cy: Gorfanc Glasgoch, Gorfanhadlen Lasgoch
Synonyms
- Phelypaea purpurea ((Jacq.) Asch.)
- Phelipanche purpurea ((Jacq.) Soják)
- Kopsia purpurea ((Jacq.) Bég.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Canary Is. (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 7, 2021 by Arellano Juan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2022 by philippe roure (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:662628-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Orobanche purpurea Jacq.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3173305)