Yellow Broomrape
orobanche gracilis
Also known as: ["Yellow Broomrape","Broomrape"]
Overview
A parasitic herbaceous plant lacking chlorophyll, typically found attached to the roots of host plants.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Orobanche |
| Botanical Name: | Orobanche gracilis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: open ground in arid or semi-arid regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining soil mix suitable for the host plant (e.g., cactus mix or sandy loam).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: N/A
- Pruning Intensity: N/A
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Host plant requires full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours/day). Orobanche itself does not require sunlight as it is parasitic.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate host plant gradually to sunlight to prevent scorching; place host plant in a location with appropriate light exposure; monitor host plant for signs of sun stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
full sun
Host plant needs bright light; avoid direct midday sun for host plant; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
rarely required, only when soil is completely dry
Avoid overwatering the host plant to prevent root rot; ensure host plant is adequately watered to support Orobanche; monitor host plant for signs of stress.
Soil
well-drained, sandy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0) for most host plants.
Use well-draining soil; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture for host plant.
Temperature
Host plant prefers moderate temperatures (15–25°C). Orobanche is adapted to the temperature range of its host.
Monitor host plant temperature; adjust care based on seasonal changes; protect from extreme temperatures.
Fertilizing
not required
Fertilize host plant in spring and summer; dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent host plant stress.
Propagation
Methods
Orobanche gracilis propagates via seed, which requires a host plant for germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds near host plant roots.
- Maintain soil moisture.
- Monitor for germination.
Best Time: Spring, when host plants are actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions near host plant roots; indirect light.
Medium
Requires a host plant with established roots; seeds can be sown near host roots.
Hormone
Not applicable; host plant health is key.
Timeline
Germination can take several weeks to months; establishment depends on host plant health.
Tools Needed
Seeds, host plant, watering can, humidity dome (optional).
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds; ensure host plant is healthy; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
N/A
Pruning Plan
Not applicable; Orobanche does not require pruning.
Tools
N/A
Checklist
N/A
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when host plant is actively growing.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure adequate space for roots.
Method
Carefully transfer host plant to a new pot, ensuring Orobanche connections are not disturbed; use well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot the host plant if necessary, ensuring Orobanche remains attached to the roots.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; handle roots carefully; maintain Orobanche connections.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check host plant moisture levels; water host plant at root zone; avoid direct watering of Orobanche.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the host plant at the root zone, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, as Orobanche gracilis is a parasitic plant and relies on host plants for moisture. Avoid direct watering unless cultivating the host plant.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Host plant may show chlorosis, wilting, or bud drop; Orobanche may fail to develop if host is stressed.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow host plant growth, reducing Orobanche's ability to parasitize.
Solution: Protect host plant from frost; use mulch or coverings to insulate roots; move potted host plants indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause host plant wilting and dehydration, stressing Orobanche.
Solution: Provide shade for host plant during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize host plant only; use balanced fertilizer; apply during growing season.
Fertilizing Method
Fertilize the host plant sparingly with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer during active growth. Avoid fertilizing Orobanche directly.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to the toxic effects of Orobanche gracilis if ingested, which can cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. The plant's parasitic nature may contribute to its toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Orobanche gracilis by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal upset and potential neurological effects due to its toxic compounds. The plant's parasitic nature may enhance its toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOrobanche gracilis contains compounds that can be toxic when ingested, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances. The plant lacks chlorophyll and derives nutrients from host plants, which may contribute to its toxic profile.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Orobanche gracilis a flowering plant?
A: Yes, it produces small yellow flowers, but it is a parasitic plant lacking chlorophyll.
Q: How does Orobanche gracilis obtain nutrients?
A: It is a holoparasite, deriving all its nutrients from the roots of host plants.
Q: Is Orobanche gracilis harmful to crops?
A: It can be considered a weed as it parasitizes crops and wild plants, potentially causing damage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | rarely required, only when soi |
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