Yellow Broomrape
orobanche flava
Also known as: ["Yellow Broomrape","Yellow Orobanche"]
Overview
A parasitic herbaceous plant in the family Orobanchaceae, notable for its yellow flowers and lack of chlorophyll.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Orobanche |
| Botanical Name: | Orobanche flava |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: near host plants in open, well-drained soil
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot in host.
- Soil Type: Well-draining soil mix for host plant (e.g., cactus mix with organic matter).
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 benefits indirectly from host’s light exposure.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate host plant gradually to sunlight; avoid intense midday sun for host; place outdoor in dappled light if needed.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
none, as it is a parasitic plant
Host plant needs bright light; Orobanche thrives parasitically; avoid direct harsh sun on host.
Watering
rarely required, only when soil is completely dry
Water the host plant adequately, ensure host plant soil is well-drained, avoid overwatering the host to prevent root rot.
Soil
not applicable, as it parasitizes host plants
pH: Host plant typically prefers 6.0–7.0 pH.
Ensure soil drains well; avoid waterlogging; maintain host plant’s soil health.
Temperature
Host plant prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); Orobanche tolerates similar range but depends on host.
Monitor host plant’s temperature needs; protect from extremes; adjust host care for Orobanche’s benefit.
Fertilizing
not required
Use balanced fertilizer for host; avoid over-fertilizing; focus nutrients on host roots.
Propagation
Methods
Through seed germination on host plant roots; rarely via vegetative means.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow Orobanche seeds near host roots.
- Maintain soil moisture.
- Wait for attachment.
Best Time: Spring when host plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions near host roots; indirect light.
Medium
Host plant soil with minimal disturbance for Orobanche seed contact.
Hormone
Not applicable; relies on natural parasitic attachment.
Timeline
Several weeks to months for seed germination and attachment.
Tools Needed
None specific; basic gardening tools for host plant care.
Quick Tips
Ensure host plant is healthy; maintain soil contact for seeds; patience is key.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
N/A
Pruning Plan
Not applicable to Orobanche; focus on host plant pruning if needed.
Tools
N/A
Checklist
N/A
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer when host is actively growing.
Pot Size
One size up for host plant; ensure pot is deep enough for roots.
Method
Carefully lift host plant; preserve Orobanche attachments; use fresh well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot host plant if necessary, ensuring minimal disturbance to Orobanche attachments.
Checklist
Check for Orobanche attachments; use clean tools; maintain soil moisture.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Water host plant deeply; ensure drainage; avoid Orobanche direct contact; monitor host plant moisture.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the host plant deeply at the root zone, ensure water drains well, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry, avoid wetting the Orobanche directly.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, as Orobanche flava 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 compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Host plant wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth; Orobanche reduced vigor or absence of flowering.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow host plant growth, reducing Orobanche’s nutrient uptake; frost can damage host roots.
Solution: Protect host plant with mulch; move potted hosts indoors; use frost cloth for outdoor hosts.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can stress host plant, leading to dehydration and reduced Orobanche parasitism.
Solution: Provide shade for host during peak heat; increase host watering; ensure good airflow.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize host only; use diluted solution; apply during active growth.
Fertilizing Method
Fertilize the host plant lightly during growing season; avoid fertilizing Orobanche directly.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from Orobanche flava upon ingestion, which can result in gastrointestinal and systemic effects. The plant's parasitic nature may exacerbate its toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Orobanche flava can lead to gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity in dogs. The plant's parasitic nature may enhance its harmful effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOrobanche flava contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. 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 flava edible?
A: No, it is a parasitic plant and not typically consumed by humans or animals.
Q: How does Orobanche flava grow?
A: It is a holoparasite, meaning it lacks chlorophyll and derives nutrients from host plants.
Q: Is Orobanche flava harmful to gardens?
A: Yes, it can be considered a weed as it parasitizes other plants, potentially harming them.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | none, as it is a parasitic pla |
| Water: | rarely required, only when soi |
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